Session: 09-11-01: Engineering Research Innovation I

Paper Number: 69400

Start Time: Tuesday, 03:40 PM

69400 - Strategies for the Improvement of Research Competences in the Professional Training of Engineers 

The professional training of engineers includes not only the development of introductory theoretical or conceptual topics or simple concepts in research but also the development of investigative capacities for solving problems and their critical analysis. In this way, engineering programs require courses that link the rigorous work of theoretical concepts and the application of strategic practices between teachers and students that can be applied to solving problems in the socio-productive environment where engineering is developed. This work seeks to propose strategies aimed at strengthening the research competencies necessary in the training of engineers. To achieve the above, situational analytical research was developed in a sample made up of 265 students and 25 teachers from the last semesters belonging to four engineering programs of a public university located in the municipality of Valledupar, Department of Cesar in Colombia. To collect the information, a 50-item Likert-type multiple-choice questionnaire was used related to the research problem, the structuring of the theoretical framework, the methodological framework, the evaluation of results, use of a second language, application of mathematical thinking, the use of information, and communication technologies - ICTs and how to use information from the use of bibliographic sources. Additionally, a documentary review was carried out through a matrix in which the information on the structure and organization of groups, seedbeds, and lines of research was systematized; the degree modalities for students to choose; the research contents, academic credits, and strategies used by teachers in the development of courses of the study plan; training in postgraduate studies of teachers, intellectual production and resumes registered in the national science and technology system of teachers responsible for research training. The interpretation of the data made it possible to show that the methodological competencies such as the "analysis of results" is in which the students present greater weaknesses because they do not have good bases on the use and interpretation of the statistical indicators, therefore they make it difficult to process data and information to present the results obtained, conclusions and recommendations in research reports. Likewise, the mastery of information and communication technologies - ICTs by engineering students was verified. After all, in today's society, it has become a necessary and indispensable competence for everyone because it is part of their daily lives centered in digital culture. On the other hand, it was evidenced that the strategies used by academic engineering programs to develop research training, such as research groups, research hotbeds, research lines, and degree modalities, present shortcomings that currently prevent the formation of an investigative culture. Therefore, they should be strengthened through direct support to increase the production of research groups and seedbeds from participation in internal calls, traceability for the fulfillment of objectives, and the dissemination of investigative works in high-level journals. In this sense, a curricular transformation with better teaching, pedagogy, and didactic methods is necessary, with a view to training in investigative competencies that allow the student to explore and apply inquiry strategies, problem identification, context analysis, and possible solutions proposals. through a theoretical-practical articulation.

Presenting Author: Carlos Ramon Vidal Tovar Popular University of Cesar (UPC)

Authors:

Carlos R. Vidal Popular University of Cesar (UPC)
Yimy Gordon Popular University of Cesar (UPC)
Deibys Barreto Technological University of Bolívar (UTB)
Juan Fajardo Technological University of Bolívar (UTB)
Pedro Fragoso Popular University of Cesar (UPC)