Roca. Scientific-educational publication of Granma province.
Scientific-educational publication in charge of promoting the most relevant results of the professionals of Education in Granma province, Cuba and Latin America. Roca journal is edited at the Learning and Research Resources Center (CRAI), which belongs to Granma University, through the Continuous Publication System. It encompasses a thematic profile specialized in the different lines of educational scientific research. It publishes works related to Pedagogy, Educational Psychology, Educational Philosophy, Educational Sociology, Sociocultural issues and the teaching of foreign languages.
Educational innovation in higher education: challenges and opportunities in artificial intelligence (Review)
Educational innovation is redefining higher education in the current context of technological advances, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. This article explores how higher education can leverage the opportunities that AI offers to enhance teaching and learning, while also addressing the challenges that arise, such as a lack of preparedness and the digital divide. Examples of AI applications in higher education are analyzed, highlighting their potential to personalize the learning experience and facilitate access to information. However, ethical aspects and the need to train teachers and students to use these technologies effectively are also considered. Finally, a reflection on the future of higher education in light of this paradigm shift is presented, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and the ongoing search for innovative solutions.
educational innovation; higher education; artificial intelligence
Copyright (c) 2025 Roca. Scientific-educational publication of Granma province. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Delay in service in food proceedings and his consequences for the right to defense (Original)
This study analyzes how delays in serving summonses in child support cases in Ecuador affect the exercise of the defendant's right to defense and the guarantee of the child's best interests. With a qualitative approach and using methods such as document review, thematic systematization, and inductive analysis, the legal, procedural, and human rights implications arising from this issue are examined. The research employs inclusion criteria based on currency, thematic relevance, and the theoretical robustness of normative and doctrinal sources. The results show that late summoning not only undermines the right to defense of the obligor, by preventing them from exercising timely opposition, but also generates disproportionate economic consequences and leaves the minor unprotected, by delaying effective access to their food rights. It is concluded that this practice constitutes a structural flaw that compromises procedural fairness and requires legal reforms, implementation of electronic notification systems, effective home verification, and training of judicial operators to ensure fairer, more effective, and balanced decisions between the rights of the defendant and those of the child.
Child support proceedings; summoning; delay; Right to Defense; procedural fairness.
The Order of Dominican Preachers of Bayamo: secularization and institutional imbalance (Original)
This study addresses the implementation of the Secularization process of the Order of Preachers Dominicans in the historical context of the jurisdiction of Bayamo in 1842, highlighting the unfavorable consequences it generated for the conventual heritage, considering that its capital became the second of its kind on the Island, preceded only by the convent had legitimized an important system of relationships based on common interests that would later by affected. The scientific process of the research is grounded in Historical Science with a descriptive charter and employs theoretical methods such as Historical-Logical, which allows for contextualization and análisis of the study of the topic, as well as Analytical-Synthetic and Inductive-Deductivemethods to demostrate is particularities and the disarticulation of relationships between the Convent and Bayamo society in the first half of the 19th century.
Order of Preachers Dominicans; economic heritage; secularization; bayamese society
Teaching Resources Using Recycled Materials for Teaching Mathematics to Middle School Students (Original)
The need for innovative and accessible approaches compels us to explore and search for new and effective tools that contribute to the successful development of the teaching-learning process, especially in subjects such as mathematics that are challenging and difficult for middle school students. This article aims to promote the use of recycled materials as teaching resources in teaching mathematics to these students, exploring how everyday waste objects can be transformed into effective tools to facilitate the understanding of mathematical concepts. The results confirm that recycled materials contribute to environmental sustainability, improve student motivation and meaningful learning, and contribute to a greater understanding and reinforcement of new knowledge. The use of sustainable and low-cost teaching resources can optimize mathematics teaching. This approach reinforces the importance of teacher creativity by proposing viable alternatives for more dynamic, environmentally friendly, and effective teaching. A quantitative approach was used as methodology, involving the collection and analysis of numerical data. A theoretical review was used to substantiate and contextualize the topic, and instruments were validated using expert criteria.
teaching resources; recycled materials; teaching mathematics; basic secondary education
Technological resources to strengthen Literacy in Basic Education students (Original)
The development of reading and writing constitutes a fundamental pillar in the educational training of Basic Education students. In this context, technological advances have allowed the incorporation of innovative tools that enhance these learning processes. This article aims to carry out a systematic review of the technological resources used to strengthen literacy, considering their design, implementation and reported results. Recent and relevant studies are analyzed to identify the most effective tools and their contribution to the development of language skills. The findings show the potential of digital technologies to personalize educational processes, promote active interaction and improve academic results, which highlights the importance of their integration into the classroom in a strategic and contextualized way. This analysis provides a theoretical and practical basis to guide teachers and educational leaders in the selection and implementation of adapted technological resources.
literacy; educational technology; technological resources; Basic Education; language skills
Artificial intelligence and its contribution to management information systems (Original)
Artificial intelligence has become a very important tool in all areas of knowledge, in the administrative field, advanced algorithms and models have been implemented through business management systems that allow the processing, analysis and understanding of complex data in real time. From this perspective, this research aims to determine the contribution of artificial intelligence to management information systems. The methodology used was based on a bibliographic study with a type of documentary research. In addition, tables are presented where the sources used for development are specified, thus providing updated and accurate information, making it easier to identify research trends. Artificial intelligence offers important benefits such as automation, better decision-making and greater business productivity. However, this also has disadvantages, as it raises ethical and social issues such as job replacement, discrimination and data bias. AI must be implemented responsibly, balancing its benefits with strategies to reduce its negative impacts on society and human work.
Big data; technology; innovation; algorithms; efficiency
Emotional intelligence and its impact on student dropout (Original)
The purpose of the current paper is to determine the existing problems of emotional intelligence, through a personality test to know the origin of the School Dropout of the students en la Unidad Educativa Colimes, through the use of the inductive method, and with a quantitative approach in turn that is related to research instruments such as questionnaires to establish the personality and know the origin of school dropout. For this purpose, various academic information search engines were needed, which meant absolute relevance, thus considering bibliographic information extracted from various sources, as well as Scielo, Dialnet, among others where there was relevant information from indexed journals, repositories, theses master's degrees and others, which were helpful in establishing the context of the topic. Subsequently, with the use and application of questionnaires aimed at teachers, it was possible to establish certain results; where it was observed that teachers use strategies to develop the emotional intelligence of their students, which serves to strengthen them, at the same time that these are put into practice; in other words, that they express their feelings and emotions in relation to the moment they are living. Finally, it is concluded that the identification of students' emotional intelligence problems is essential, since this harms academic performance and relationships between peers, to develop a manual of pedagogical strategies in order to avoid student dropout.
emotional intelligence; school desertion; personality; emotions
Mediation hearings. An analysis between procedural guarantees and effective judicial protection (Review)
The present article examines the effectiveness of mediation hearings in Ecuador, focusing on how they align with procedural guarantees and effective judicial protection. The general objective, therefore, is to conduct a critical analysis of the normative treatment of these guarantees according to the Arbitration and Mediation Law of Ecuador, evaluating their practical application in mediation processes. The methodological approach adopted is qualitative, centered on a legal-normative and dogmatic analysis. The methods applied include the analytical-synthetic method to break down and synthesize key concepts, the exegetical method for the interpretation and critical analysis of regulations and jurisprudence, and the inductive method to derive conclusions from specific cases and practical experiences. The results obtained reveal that although mediation offers a faster and less costly alternative to traditional litigation, there are significant challenges such as procedural inequality and limited accessibility, especially in rural areas. The study concludes that it is essential to strengthen the application of procedural guarantees to ensure that mediation is a fair and effective mechanism that upholds the fundamental rights of the parties.
mediation hearings; procedural guarantees; effective judicial protection
Post-pandemic impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the academic performance of multi-grade school students (Original)
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person classes, leaving a persistent, silent mark on the learning of thousands of students. More than five years after that lockdown, its effects remain, especially in vulnerable contexts such as rural multi-grade schools, where the lack of technology, limited connectivity, and a lack of resources exacerbated pre-existing inequalities. Consequently, this article aims to determine the post-pandemic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the academic performance of students in a multi-grade school. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using as instruments a documentary review of academic records from the 2019-2020 academic periods, a Pedagogical Test, interviews with teachers, and focus groups with parents. The results revealed a significant increase in post-pandemic grades, especially in Language Arts and Mathematics, with an 80% group average scoring above 8/10. However, data triangulation revealed that learning gaps persist for some students, stemming from limited connectivity, insufficient family support, and a lack of sustained institutional strategies during and after the lockdown. Furthermore, socioemotional repercussions were identified that affected students' motivation and adaptation to the return to in-person learning. In response to this problem, a comprehensive remediation plan and pedagogical, family, technological, and socioemotional support are proposed, which constitutes a viable strategy to reduce educational inequalities and strengthen learning in multigrade contexts.
COVID-19; academic performance; multigrade school; lockdown; post-pandemic
The soft abilities and the school coexistence in the students of the School of Education Basic Period lectivo 2023/2024 (Original)
This educational development project investigates the impact of soft skills on school coexistence, in Basic Elementary students of the “Arnulfo Chávez Miranda” School, in the Quevedo canton. It is approached from a multidisciplinary approach that integrates elements of educational psychology, pedagogy and sociology. The theoretical framework is based on the understanding of soft skills as socio-emotional and behavioral competencies, which facilitate positive interaction between individuals in educational contexts. A diagnosis of the situation of the educational unit was carried out, using qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the challenges and needs related to school coexistence. In response to these results, a teacher training workshop focused on the development of soft skills was designed, developed and validated. This workshop was structured around practical activities, group discussions and individual reflections, with the aim of strengthening teachers' skills in key areas such as empathy, teamwork, effective communication and conflict resolution. To support this work, data was collected through surveys and digital interviews, which demonstrate the existing interest in both students and teachers in the use of soft skills to improve school coexistence.
soft skills; education; learning; school coexistence; academic performance
Family environment and its influence on school coexistence of students at the Basic Education level (Original)
School coexistence is a fundamental factor for the comprehensive development of students, affecting their emotional, social, and academic well-being. Given this scenario, the family environment appears as the primary socializing agent, influencing the formation of values, attitudes, and behaviors that children transfer to the school setting. Therefore, this study analyzes the influence of the family environment on the school coexistence of elementary school students, aiming to design an improvement proposal that fosters positive interpersonal relationships in the educational setting. A qualitative methodology, with a descriptive-exploratory design, was applied to characterize the family factors that influence school coexistence and describe observable patterns of school interaction related to the family environment. To this end, interviews were conducted with teachers, parents, and students. The results demonstrated that domestic disintegration and violence, coupled with poor emotional communication and lack of support in school activities, are closely linked to disruptive behaviors and socialization difficulties among students. These results indicate the need to strengthen family-school relationships to implement strategies that improve coexistence and school climate. Consequently, an intervention proposal was designed and validated to promote effective communication and family support, in order to foster a harmonious school environment. It is concluded that the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and students contributes to enriching coexistence.
school coexistence; family environment; intervention strategies; comprehensive development
Autonomy of sports organizations against state control in Ecuador (Original)
Sports organizations in Ecuador are private in nature and constitute a means of developing freedom of association. However, in certain aspects, they are subject to broad state control, which determines the powers of the sectoral ministry in the approval of their statutes, the validation of internal elections, or oversight through the figure of an auditor or a very complex and multi-causal sanctioning regime. This situation determines the existence of a normative tension between the right to autonomy of sports organizations and state control for the effective achievement of the constitutional purposes of the right to sport. Precisely, the analysis of this tension is the central objective of this work. After qualitative study, guided by the methods of documentary review, comparison, and analysis-synthesis, it has been established that when sports organizations do not use public funds or infrastructure, their organizational freedom does not require excessive monitoring and, on the contrary, tends to strengthen their own autonomy. In this regard, a reform of the Law on Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation is proposed to ensure a more precise distinction between the power of state control and/or intervention in sports organizations, redefine the role of the sectoral ministry of sports in such cases, and create a collegiate body responsible for the independent and technical oversight of sports organizations.
sports organizations; autonomy; state control; freedom of association
Tax collection, interest remission, fines and surcharges of the Babahoyo Municipal Government (Original)
This article analyzes the policy of remission of interest, fines, and surcharges implemented by the Decentralized Autonomous Government of Babahoyo, within the framework of local tax management as a tool to strengthen fiscal sustainability and public investment. The general objective is to evaluate the impact of the remission of interest, fines, and surcharges on tax collection efficiency in the Babahoyo Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Government. The research adopts a qualitative-quantitative methodological approach, applying scientific methods such as the analytical-synthetic, exegetical, and inductive-deductive methods. These are implemented through documentary review, interviews with officials, and surveys of taxpayers. The results show that, following the implementation of the ordinance, there was an increase in payment regularization and a temporary improvement in municipal liquidity. However, challenges remain related to tax culture and the limited dissemination of the regulation. It is concluded that, although remission may be effective in the short term, its sustainability depends on proper technical design, institutional transparency, and strategies that strengthen citizens' commitment to their tax obligations.
Tax collection; interest remission; fines and surcharges; Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Government of Babahoyo
Legal analysis of socio-environmental conflicts due to illegal mining in Ecuador (Review)
Illegal mining is a current phenomenon that negatively impacts various aspects of life in Ecuador. The environmental impact of this activity has increased exponentially in recent years, with situations ranging from deforestation to river pollution, which poses a serious risk to people's health and the biodiversity of large areas, including protected areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Considering that the debate on this issue is not only current but also necessary, this article aims to analyze the socio-environmental conflicts that arise in Ecuador as a result of illegal mining from a legal perspective. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, supported by a document review method that combined relevant bibliography on the subject with an examination of the legal norms applicable to the socio-environmental conflicts caused by illegal mining in Ecuador. It could be concluded that the regulations related to illegal mining are insufficient and do not solve the problem, which is influenced by other situations such as poverty and marginalization that have characterized the populations engaged in mining activities.
socio-environmental conflicts; environment; illegal mining; legal treatment
Imagination and its implication in the learning of students at the Elementary Basic Sublevel (Original)
Imagination, as a mental process, constitutes an important tool in the learning process by enhancing creativity, autonomy, and critical thinking in students. The central objective of this article was to analyze the influence of imagination on the learning of elementary basic education students, using a qualitative approach with an exploratory scope. The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with six teachers and direct observation of thirty students from second to fourth year of elementary school. The results showed that the use of imagination in the classroom favors the development of cognitive and socio-emotional skills, such as problem-solving, the expression of ideas, and the construction of meaningful knowledge. However, its effective implementation is limited by factors such as the rigidity of the curriculum, the traditional approach to teaching, the lack of teacher training in active methodologies, and the scarcity of adequate teaching resources. The observation identified an evolution in students' imaginative autonomy, directed by the teacher in the lower levels and more autonomous in the higher grades. The participating teachers agree on the need to foster educational environments that stimulate imagination, integrating innovative methodologies and creative resources. It is concluded that strengthening this dimension in the classroom requires a pedagogical transformation that includes curricular updating, ongoing teacher training, and the promotion of playful and flexible spaces capable of encouraging more meaningful learning processes.
learning; elementary basic education; imagination; creative methodologies; critical thinking
The failure to fulfill the duty of providing support as economic violence in Ecuadorian law: a legal analysis (Review)
The failure to fulfill the food obligation in Ecuador has emerged as a form of economic violence directed at women and children, leading to the perpetuation of social and economic inequity. This not only infringes fundamental rights but also reflects a manifestation of economic control and domination. Furthermore, Ecuadorian laws recognize the right to food as an essential human right, which also encompasses needs such as education, health, and housing. The failure to comply with this obligation by parents who do not have custody or guardianship of the children constitutes a violation of this right and can be considered a form of economic violence. For this reason, the article aimed to analyze the failure to comply with the duty of support as a form of economic violence in Ecuadorian law. To this end, the work used a combined methodological approach of a descriptive qualitative nature, supported by legal hermeneutic, legal hermeneutic methods, and statistical methods. This allowed us to conclude that the consequences of this violence produce catastrophic effects, which are evidenced in the physical and mental health of the victims, thus prolonging cycles of poverty, dependence, and social exclusion.
alimony; economic violence; non-compliance; rights
Historical study of the subject History of Cuba in the Education of Youth and Adults (Review)
The article exposes the scientific results obtained from the application of the historical-logical method and has the purpose of revealing the main trends that have characterized the teaching-learning process of the subject History of Cuba in the Education of Youth and Adults with emphasis on historical heritage, in the period between 1988 and 2025. Three stages were defined for the study of the period, evidencing in each one the specific characteristics for each determined indicator that allowed revealing the trends by which has traversed the object and field of research. The need to improve the teaching-learning process of the subject History of Cuba is confirmed in a way that allows students to appropriate the historical content and can be significant in the educational and social field. The practical significance is given that the proposed study can be introduced into the programs and methodological guidelines of the subject History of Cuba of Youth and Adult Education in the context of the generalization of the III Improvement of the Ministry of Education.
historical trend study; teaching-learning process; heritage, historical content
Impact on extracurricular pedagogical support in mathematics for sixth-grade students of basic (Original)
This article deals with the impact of extracurricular support on mathematics learning in sixth-grade students using a mixed approach with an exploratory-descriptive design. Interviews were conducted with six teachers and pedagogical tests were administered to thirty-two students to identify difficulties and evaluate the incidence of extracurricular support strategies. The results showed that 72% of students do not achieve the required learning objectives, revealing conceptual gaps and the need to strengthen teaching processes through active methodologies and differentiated support. From a qualitative perspective, teachers believe that extracurricular tutoring improves comprehension, motivation, and autonomy, in addition to strengthening the pedagogical bond, although its effectiveness is hindered by lack of time, resources, and low attendance. Based on David Kolb's experiential learning theory, it is concluded that institutionalizing these practices with structured curricula and innovative methodologies is key to achieving meaningful and equitable learning in mathematics.
pedagogical support; basic education; teaching strategies; mathematics; academic performance
Contributions of Dr. Ángel Luis Gómez Cardoso from 1974 to 2025 (Original)
The contributions of Doctor of Science Ángel Luis Gómez Cardoso to Cuban pedagogy, from a humanistic perspective, have had a profound and transformative impact. In this sense, the objective of this study focuses on exposing the ethical and cultural dimension of the doctor's pedagogical contribution to the construction of a more equitable, inclusive, and humanistic society during the period 1974–2025. To carry it out, a qualitative narrative approach was used, in addition to the life history technique tailored to the professional aspect, with the consistent application of methods such as documentary analysis, historical-logical analysis, systematization, interviews, surveys, and personal testimonies. The results obtained show how his pedagogical work has transcended the simple transmission of knowledge, promoting a vision of education as a process that fosters ethical, cultural, and social values ​​fundamental to the development of society.
social impact; contributions; humanities; Cuban pedagogy; Ángel Luis Gómez Cardoso
Teaching and Learning Multiplication in Fourth Grade Using Educational Games and Activities with Digital Technologies (Original)
Multiplication is a fundamental content in the fourth grade of Basic Education, and its improvement is a challenge for teachers and researchers at Juan Pablo II Educational Unit. The research aimed to develop a strategy for improving the teaching and learning of this operation. A mixed approach was used, based on the collection, processing, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data combined with elements of descriptive statistics. A general methodology structured in three phases was implemented: diagnosis of the problem, development of the teaching strategy, and its validation. In the first phase, the use of diagnostic assessments and interviews to teachers on key indicators revealed difficulties in the teaching and learning of multiplication. In the second phase, a teaching strategy was developed to address the detected problems, taking into account fundamental theoretical and practical references; it includes four stages with their respective objectives and actions. The third phase consisted of validating the strategy, evaluating its impact on student learning, taking into account the opinions of teachers with the necessary experience and training to assess it. It is concluded that the aforementioned process is enhanced by the development of educational games and activities using digital technologies linked to life, based on a diagnosis of the existing difficulties in the multiplication teaching-learning process.
multiplication; educational games; basic education; strategy
Continuous teacher training in Latin America: a comparative study (Original)
The topic of teacher training has been addressed by various researchers, as it is crucial to the quality of the educational process. This research conducts a historical –comparative study of continuous teacher training in Latin-American countries. It undertakes the task of systematizing Latin-American theoretical perspectives and experiences to create a framework for developing new proposals. The scientific problem is to identify the Latin- American theoretical perspectives and experiences in continuous teacher training. Therefore, the objective is to determine the theoretical and practical references for continuous teacher training that can serve as the basis for new scientific researches that allow for a critical reflection on educational realities. It is identified as a qualitative research project, characterized by addressing the scientific problem from a critical-social epistemological perspective, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods during systematization, to transform reality starting from the location, selection, and content analysis of published sources identified in registered Google Scholar databases. The study confirms that initiatives and practical experiences in Latin America contain important theoretical and methodological references that analyze trends and patterns present in educational systems and they promote a more comprehensive and contextualized approach to student training.
teacher training; continuous education; educational systems; Latin America
The pedagogical training of university students of the technical profile (Original)
The pedagogical training of students with a technical profile is a priority in today's Latin American societies and particularly in Ecuador, since the fundamental activities in the country are agriculture, livestock and tourism, which greatly need this type of personnel. Therefore, students must prepare to transmit knowledge to colleagues at study, work or other people in general. The research aims to resolve the problem related to the insufficiencies that manifest themselves in the pedagogical training of university students of the technical profile at the State Technical University of Quevedo, Ecuador that limit their level of learning and their social usefulness. The purpose of the investigation is framed in the development of a strategy to resolve this insufficiency. The main methods used are: Analysis-synthesis, Induction-deduction, Systemic-structural-functional, Observation, Interview and descriptive statistics. Among the results that are projected to be achieved are the determination of the theoretical references that support the pedagogical training of university students of the technical profile and the strategy for its implementation in school practice.
Pedagogical training; strategy; technical profile; university
Copyright (c) 2024 Roca. Scientific-educational publication of Granma province. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Non-Confrontational Self-Defense and the State of Necessity in Ecuador: Similar Dogmatic Categories? (Review)
There is a strong and mature doctrinal movement regarding the legal conception of the grounds for exclusion from unlawfulness. However, recent studies allude to the existence of a form of self-defense called self-defense without personal or physical confrontation. This form is not provided for in the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code of Ecuador, and this leads to the general objective of this study: to legally argue how the lack of legal provision in the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code of Ecuador does not violate the right to defense in Ecuadorian criminal proceedings, due to the fact that this form of defense is subsumed under the state of necessity, as another ground for justifying criminal conduct, provided for in the same code. This is achieved through a qualitative research approach, employing scientific methods such as analytical-synthetic, exegetical, comparative, and inductive methods. This leads to the conclusion that, in fact, the fact that this form of self-defense is not provided for does not affect the right to defense, since it is described in the grounds for justification recognized in Article 32 of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code, which is the state of necessity.
Unlawfulness; grounds for justification; self-defense without personal confrontation; state of necessity; right to defense
The role of the principle of proportionality in the determination of penalties (Review)
The principle of proportionality is one of the oldest institutions used in criminal law to limit the punitive power of the State. It is intended to restrain the legislator from imposing disproportionate or irrational sanctions in relation to the danger or harm caused by the offender. This principle not only applies to the legislative sphere, but its application goes far beyond criminal law. It is a principle recognized in almost all contemporary political constitutions and is used to resolve all types of situations, whether criminal or not, under evaluation criteria developed in this research paper. Therefore, this study analyzes how the Constitutional Court of Ecuador has defined the dimensions for applying the principle of proportionality by applying a test that has become a rule of thumb for jurists, whether legal theorists or practitioners. In this regard, the argument is made for the importance of incorporating all of these issues into ordinary law, specifically the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code of the Ecuadorian State.
principle; proportionality; balancing; adequacy
Open Justice and Technological Media as Effective application Tools (Review)
This article addressed the issue of transparency and access to the administration of justice in Ecuador, highlighting the importance of judicial digitalization as a mechanism to guarantee the publicity and effectiveness of access to judicial proceedings, especially given the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its objective was to analyze how the Ecuadorian judiciary used technological means to implement the Open Justice policy, promoting transparency, participation, and collaboration between citizens and the judiciary. The article used a methodology based on the interpretation and normative analysis of the Constitution, the General Organic Code of Procedures, resolutions of the Judicial Council, and protocols issued by the National Court of Justice, in addition to the study of experiences and technological advances such as video hearings through digital platforms like Zoom. The results showed that the adoption of these tools allowed for the continuity of judicial activities in the context of the pandemic, facilitated public access to hearings, and reinforced the constitutional principles of publicity and oral hearings. Likewise, open justice achieved greater interaction with society and more direct dialogue through digital media, although it identified challenges related to the technological gap and digital exclusion. Finally, it was concluded that the use of technologies in the judicial system strengthened transparency, citizen participation, and institutional collaboration, consolidating an effective link between the judiciary and society. It is anticipated that these digital policies will continue to evolve to expand inclusion and access to justice in Ecuador.
Digital tools and media; administration of justice; judges; users of the justice sector; transparency
Professional Research Skills in the Bachelor of Education in Pedagogy-Psychology (Original)
This study addresses the development of professional research skills in the training of the Bachelor of Education in Pedagogy and Psychology. Research skills are linked to constructivist and critical theories, which emphasize autonomy, reflection, and the practical application of knowledge. In Pedagogy and Psychology, this involves integrating psychological knowledge (cognitive development and motivation) with active pedagogical methodologies. This research paper aimed to diagnose the current state of professional research skills development among students of the Bachelor of Education in Pedagogy and Psychology major at the University of Oriente, Cuba. A mixed-methods approach was used, allowing for a comprehensive diagnosis by combining statistical data (surveys of students and tutors) with qualitative analysis (interviews with teachers and classroom observations). This approach was applied in the Faculty of Educational Sciences. The results revealed significant weaknesses in the theoretical-practical, methodological, and contextual dimensions. The relevance of the diagnosis lies in its potential to redesign curricula and teaching strategies, ensuring that future professionals face educational challenges with scientific and creative tools. This contributes to strengthening Higher Education in Cuba, aligned with current social and educational demands.
research skills; training; pedagogical diagnosis; didactic model
La relación entre citas y referencias en el texto científico. Reflexiones de un editor
La falta de correspondencia entre las citas en el desarrollo de los manuscritos y las referencias bibliográficas en los artículos científicos representa un problema que afecta la integridad y la credibilidad de la investigación. Cuando las citas incluidas en el texto no coinciden con las referencias al final del documento, se genera confusión sobre el origen real de la información y se pierde la trazabilidad del conocimiento. Esta discordancia puede ser producto de la falta de riguroso control editorial o del descuido al gestionar las fuentes consultadas, lo que puede resultar en la inclusión de citas fantasma o en la omisión de referencias esenciales que sustentan los argumentos del trabajo (Paz, 2023). Consecuentemente, se deteriora la confianza tanto del lector como de la comunidad académica en la calidad y veracidad del artículo, afectando la reputación del autor y de la revista que lo publica. En este orden de ideas, esta discrepancia refleja un problema de praxis académica que va más allá del simple error técnico; es un indicio de pereza intelectual o de una comprensión insuficiente de la importancia de la ética en la investigación. La relación adecuada entre las citas y las referencias es fundamental para ofrecer un respaldo científico a las afirmaciones y para permitir que otros investigadores verifiquen, reproduzcan o amplíen el estudio. Sin esta correspondencia, se compromete el proceso científico y se dificulta la evaluación crítica del trabajo, debilitando la cadena de conocimiento en la disciplina (López, 2013). Por estas razones, tanto autores como editores deben prestar especial atención a la gestión y revisión minuciosa de las citas y referencias para asegurar la calidad y el rigor científico en los manuscritos recibidos.
Brand perception and its influence on the purchasing decision of local consumers (Original)
Brands constitute an essential intangible asset for organizations, capable of conveying meanings, experiences, and values ​​that directly impact the minds of consumers. Brand perception has become a strategic factor that influences the building of trust, loyalty, and preference for certain consumption options. This article presents a narrative review of recent literature (2018–2025) on the relationship between brand perception and purchasing decisions among local consumers in the Latin American context. The results of the review show that brand perception is shaped by the interaction of tangible attributes such as price, design, and perceived quality, and intangible ones such as trust, authenticity, digital reputation, and social responsibility. It is highlighted that intangible factors are gaining increasing weight in purchasing decisions, with trust and credibility being the most influential in customer loyalty. Furthermore, the literature highlights the relevance of digital reputation and social media interaction as determinants in the formation of brand perceptions today. In Latin America, a duality in consumer preferences is observed: while certain segments value global brands for their prestige and status, others show greater affinity for local brands due to their authenticity, cultural proximity, and social responsibility. It is concluded that local brands possess unique competitive advantages if they manage to capitalize on these differential attributes.
brand perception; purchasing decision; local consumers; marketing; consumer behavior
Ecuadorian Educational Legislation and its Importance in Teacher Training (Original)
Ecuadorian educational legislation is composed of legal instruments that, led by the Constitution of the Republic and the Organic Law on Intercultural Education, serve as the basis and support for the conduction and development of all educational activities in the country. One of the key elements in this process is teacher training, which includes initial and continuing education, both of which contribute to the professional development of teachers and professors, with the goal of producing a teaching staff that efficiently and qualitatively conducts this process. This paper aims to highlight the importance of compliance with educational legislation for teacher training, identifying the aspects that, from a legal perspective, contribute most to the necessary quality of such training. To this end, a qualitative method is used, based on the analysis of an updated bibliographic review of the relevant issues highlighted in the scientific and academic literature. The results highlight that Ecuadorian educational legislation is fundamental and important for teacher training because it establishes a regulatory framework that legitimizes and promotes profound changes in the education system, aimed at improving the quality and relevance of education.
Educational legislation; teacher training; legal instruments; education
Analysis and effects of Article 169, numeral 6 of the Ecuadorian Labor Code on health (Review)
Labor rights have become a fundamental issue in international treaties and national regulations, as they are the result of workers' struggles to have decent treatment in a general sense. In Ecuador, the Labor Code stipulates, in article 169, the grounds on which a labor relationship between employer and employee can be terminated. Among these grounds, numeral 6 of that article establishes that the relationship can be concluded due to force majeure or unforeseen circumstances. This ground has been misused by employers on many occasions to terminate labor relationships, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this research was to analyze the effects of the application of numeral 6 of article 169 of the Ecuadorian Labor Code on health professionals, considering its impact on working conditions and social consequences. To achieve this, methods such as document analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction were used, as well as legal hermeneutics and the exegetical method. Finally, it was evident that the indiscriminate application of this cause significantly harms health professionals and, by extension, the healthcare system and society at large, requiring more careful regulation and supervision.
labor rights; termination of labor contracts; legal effects; force majeure and fortuitous event; health professionals; Ecuador