Methodology proposal applied to dual education for the encouragement of competencies in Higher Education in Ambato, Ecuador

Abstract

Dual education models constitute a proposal and an innovative learning and professionalization alternative to be used in higher education institutions, as stated in numerous international studies. However, its implementation has been marked by a high number of insufficiencies such as the poor insertion of students in this linkage scheme, the low use of training in the business sector and the lack of established processes in the university-company linkage for the instruction, evaluation and certification of professional skills and competencies, among other aspects. The objective of the research is to design a methodology proposal applied to dual education for the stimulation of skills in higher education in Ambato, Ecuador. The study approach is qualitative, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental design. A documentary review was carried out, which made it possible to design a dual education model adapted to the needs and particularities of Ecuador, as well as a methodology to stimulate skills in higher education. The proposals made enable a more comprehensive instruction of students, the achievement of a more significant learning and contributes to a satisfactory work experience of future university graduates, which improves their professional skills. Finally, the results obtained and the discussion carried out indicate that in Ecuador and specifically in the province of Tungurahua, Ambato Canton, public and university policies must be created and implemented to stimulate and adopt more strongly the dual models in the universities for the use of its advantages and potentialities, being the key proposals made in the achievement of this purpose.