Student centered approaches to teaching English in university contexts (Original).

Abstract

This research examines the effectiveness of student-centered approaches to improve English teaching in university contexts, focusing on the Manabí region, Ecuador. The main objective was to evaluate methods such as project-based learning, collaborative learning, personalized teaching, the use of educational technologies and the communicative method. The methodology included mixed methods at the empirical, theoretical, and mathematical-statistical levels, emphasizing surveys conducted with teachers and students to collect data on perceptions and learning outcomes. The main result highlighted the overall effectiveness of these approaches in improving students' motivation and linguistic competence. Personalized teaching and the use of educational technologies were especially valued for their ability to adapt to individual needs and offer flexible resources. The most significant conclusion was that the integration of these methods not only enriches language learning, but also better prepares students for professional and personal contexts. It is recommended to expand the implementation of these approaches in the university curriculum to optimize English learning and improve the educational experience of students in Manabí and beyond.