Maskana

Challenges in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Ecuador: A PRISMA Systematic Review

Carlos Lenin Alvarez Llerena — 2026-06-30

This study aimed to identify the main challenges affecting the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Ecuador. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology, analyzing 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 in databases such as Scopus, ERIC, Latindex 2.0, and SciELO. The findings revealed persistent difficulties, including inadequate teacher training, limited resources, limited technological integration, and low student motivation. Additional issues included minimal exposure to authentic English use, contradictions in national language policies, and disparities between rural and urban contexts. The review also found a lack of longitudinal and experimental research designs, which limits the applicability of existing findings. It was concluded that addressing these challenges requires stronger teacher development programs, improved infrastructure, context-sensitive policy reforms, and more rigorous research to enhance the quality and sustainability of EFL education in Ecuador.

Resilience and suicidal behavior in adolescent and youth populations: a systematic review

Julian Julián Cádiz Rodríguez — 2026-06-30

Suicidal behaviors in adolescents have increased significantly. Resilience is identified as a key element in prevention. The objective is to explore the empirical evidence on the protective effect of resilience against suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. Regarding methods, the PRISMA methodology was applied, reviewing PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Dialnet, Academic Search Premier, and Google Scholar. Empirical studies from the last 15 years in individuals aged 12 to 21 were included. Twelve empirical articles were selected. A moderate negative relationship (average correlation = -.44) was found between resilience and self-harm. In conclusion, resilience is a key protective factor for preventing suicidal behavior in adolescents. It is essential to develop preventive strategies that promote coping skills and emotional regulation.

Editorial: El dilema ecológico de la Inteligencia Artificial

Jose Luis Crespo Fajardo — 2026-06-30

Editorial Maskana Vol. 17 Nro. 1

Financial Education and Labor Well-Being within the Framework of the Welfare Economy in Ecuador

Miguel Mauricio Cueva Estrada — 2026-06-30

This study analyzes the relationship between financial education and labor well-being among Ecuadorian workers, from the perspective of the welfare economy. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational approach was employed, based on a sample of 551 individuals. Data were collected through a structured survey and analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric correlational statistics. The results reveal positive and significant associations between the dimensions of both variables, highlighting the role of financial literacy in shaping labor perceptions. The study offers implications for organizational management and future sector-specific research.

Artificial Intelligence Model Based on DenseNet-121 for Feline Facial Landmark Detection

Luis Bermeo — 2026-06-30

The aim of this work was to evaluate a modular artificial intelligence model based on DenseNet-121 for the automatic detection of 48 facial anatomical landmarks in cats, supporting welfare monitoring and veterinary clinical practice. The proposed approach comprises four phases: face detection, identification of anatomical regions, landmark localization, and hierarchical assembly. Three optimizers (Adam, AdaMax, and AdamW) were trained and compared using accuracy and error metrics, together with statistical tests. Results showed that Adam achieved the best performance, significantly outperforming AdaMax (p<0.05). On external images, the assembly minimized errors, and clinical validation confirmed anatomical accuracy of 99–100%. In conclusion, the model represents an innovative and applicable tool for the objective assessment of feline pain and welfare, strengthening clinical judgment and reducing subjectivity in veterinary observation.

Education robotics boosts Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics training for secondary school teachers

Diego Armando Bautista Diaz — 2026-06-30

This study aimed to validate a pedagogical strategy based on educational robotics to develop STEM skills in secondary school teachers in Bogotá, Colombia. The methodology was pre-experimental with a quantitative approach and correlational-descriptive scope. A plan of 25 sessions with a constructionist design and problem-based learning was applied. The data, collected using expert-validated Likert instruments, were analyzed using a bivariate regression model (Pearson). The results showed a statistically significant relationship, with educational robotics explaining 58.4% of the variation in the development of STEM skills. It was concluded that the strategy effectively fosters key skills in teachers, such as creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking. As a direct implication, it was observed that teachers design and apply teaching sequences that promote complex problem solving in their students, positively impacting the achievement of learning standards in areas such as science and mathematics.

Impact of augmented reality and virtual reality on mathematical learning in students with ASD and ADHD

Celia Gallardo Herrerias — 2026-06-30

The impact of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies on primary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in math learning is discussed in this study. Using a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design, 60 primary school students (30 ASD, 30 ADHD) were assigned to experimental (AR/VR) and control (traditional instruction) groups. The 8-week intervention had intensive math experience based on the sensory and cognitive needs, pre- and post-tests measuring the calculation and problem-solving capacity. Outcomes indicated that in the experimental group, ADHD students achieved a 30% increase in math scores and in motivation (+30%) and sustained attention (+25%). Interactive and engaging AR/VR environments reduced distractibility and enhanced engagement, according to teachers. ASD students moderately improved (15–18%), showing that additional customization was needed to accommodate sensory sensitivities.

Impact of the “Speaking Corners” microlearning on the oral confidence and motivation of future English teachers

Sandra González-González — 2026-06-30

This study explored the effects of a microlearning Speaking Corners intervention to understand deeply the oral confidence and motivation of pre-service EFL teachers while getting ready for taking the B2 First exam. A mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of a quasi-experimental pre-/post-test survey with a thematic analysis of qualitative responses. The participants were sixth-semester students enrolled in three university classes of Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages (PINE) major, in Ecuador. Quantitatively, confidence improved across all three classes, and knowledge of exam structure rose in two classes. Perceived usefulness of microlearning increased notably in one class. Qualitative results showed that participants went from having a vague understanding to a clear understanding, used exam strategies more, felt less anxious, and were more motivated. The findings showed that peer-led and reward-supported microlearning sequences are effective in improving exam preparedness and maintaining engagement. The research provides a practical and cost-effective pedagogical framework for high-stakes EFL speaking instruction, with ramifications for teacher education and exam preparation settings.

Effect of Scenario Based Interactive Learning on Knowledge, Self Efficacy and Competency on Clinical Handover Among Student Nurses

Sogyal Khando — 2026-06-30

Clinical handover is vital for patient care. This study examined the effectiveness of scenario-based interactive learning in improving student nurses’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and competency in handover. A true experimental design was conducted among 80 final-year nursing students who were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received a lecture followed by scenario-based learning and debriefing, whereas the control group received only a lecture. Validated tools were used to measure competency, self-efficacy, and knowledge. Descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. The experimental group's knowledge and competency significantly improved as compared to the control group, according to the results (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy levels increased within groups, but after controlling for baseline values, there was no discernible difference across the groups. Knowledge and competency (r = 0.476) and knowledge and self-efficacy (r = 0.362) showed positive associations. An efficient teaching method for improving nursing students' clinical handover knowledge and proficiency is scenario-based interactive learning, which may also lead to better patient safety and communication procedures. An efficient teaching method for improving clinical handover knowledge and proficiency is scenario-based interactive learning.

Analysis of Scientific Competencies in the Use of Smart Notebooks in Primary Education

Esther Cascarosa-Salillas — 2026-06-30

This study analyses the contribution of smart notebooks, as a methodological tool, to the development of students’ scientific competence within the context of the bilingual model of science education in Primary Education. A descriptive study based on content analysis was conducted using a sample of 17 smart notebooks implemented in the third cycle of Primary Education in bilingual schools in Spain. The analysis instruments, grounded in the PISA 2025 theoretical framework and the CLIL approach, allow for the assessment of the development of scientific competencies, knowledge, contexts, and scientific practices. The results show that smart notebooks particularly foster the development of scientific knowledge, model representation, and inquiry. However, areas for improvement were identified in relation to scientific argumentation and research design. Overall, the findings confirm their potential to promote competency-based learning in bilingual contexts.

Transformation of the Natural Landscape and Urban Effects in the Cumbaza River Basin, Morales District (Peru)

Jhon Michael Chinchay Peña — 2026-06-30

The rapid growth of cities poses a significant threat to environmental balance due to the transformations it causes in the natural landscape and the Cumbaza River basin. The purpose of this research is to evaluate territorial changes and their ecological effects through a multitemporal analysis of aerial images from 1969, 1985, 2005, and 2024. Field checks were also carried out in 2024 to confirm the interpretation of land cover, vegetation, and changes to the physical environment. The results show a progressive replacement of natural and agricultural areas by residential, industrial, and recreational areas, which has led to biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, and alterations in water dynamics. It is concluded that these processes continuously transform the natural environment, highlighting the urgency of strengthening sustainable land-use planning through the integration of ecological criteria.

Access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Argentina’s secondary schools: findings from the 2022 Aprender Assessment

Carla Arévalo — 2026-06-30

This article examines the access to Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) among secondary school students in Argentina, based on data from a national survey conducted with students and school principals. Drawing on responses to the CSE module of the 2022 Aprender Assessment (195.804 participants), the study characterizes the students’ exposure to CSE. The evaluation considers four analytical dimensions: the relevance, the universality, the comprehensiveness, and the cross-curricular integration of the contents received. The results reveal a gap between students’ widespread acknowledgment of the importance of CSE and its effective implementation, with disparities observed by sex, educational background of the household, and region. Moreover, there is a predominance of approaches focused on biology and health, to the detriment of dimensions related to affectivity, diversity, and rights.

Use of Generative AI and research skills in students of Computer Science Education

Nataly Elizabeth Sánchez Solano — 2026-06-30

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the level of use of generative artificial intelligence and research skills in students of the Computer Science Education program at the National University of Loja. The research was conducted using a deductive method, with a quantitative approach, a descriptive-explanatory scope, and a non-experimental, cross-sectional field design. Data collection was carried out through a survey using a structured questionnaire validated with the Lawshe method and supplemented with statistical tests. The results showed a moderate and statistically significant positive relationship between the two variables (rho = 0.453; p < 0.001). It is concluded that, in the studied population, a higher level of use of this technology is associated with higher levels of research skills, providing empirical evidence of its relevance in the context of higher education.

Development and Validation of a Student Self-Management Scale Among Filipino Grade 10 Students

Edison B. Lopez — 2026-06-30

Student self-management is widely recognized as a key factor in fostering resilience, adaptability, and holistic student development; however, validated instruments for secondary-level learners remain limited, particularly in developing-country contexts. This study developed and validated the Student Self-Management Scale (SSMS) to assess self-regulation, stress resilience, and goal orientation among secondary school students. Following systematic item generation, expert validation, and pilot testing, data were collected from 346 Filipino secondary students, refining 113 initial items to 27 indicators. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency reliability, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and concurrent validity testing using mathematics achievement. The SSMS demonstrated excellent overall internal consistency (α = .94). Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-component structure; however, confirmatory factor analysis indicated only partial and provisional model fit. The goal orientation dimension was represented by a single item, limiting its psychometric robustness. Concurrent validity with mathematics achievement was weak and should be interpreted cautiously, potentially reflecting both construct distinctiveness and limitations in the selected external criterion. Overall, the SSMS represents a preliminary but contextually grounded instrument, with further refinement needed to strengthen its structural validity and applicability in diverse educational settings.

Navigating Diversity: Narratives on Diversity in Spanish University Websites

Azahara Jiménez-Millán — 2026-06-30

Esta investigación, como diseño cualitativo exploratorio-descriptivo con análisis crítico del discurso multimodal, analiza la conceptualización de diversidad en las universidades españolas a partir del estudio de sus websites institucionales. Se estudian las páginas de servicios o estructuras administrativas que incorporan el término diversidad en su denominación, considerando su frecuencia, accesibilidad y localización en el mapa web (sistema interactivo), así como colectivos nombrados, las funciones vinculadas al acceso, aprendizaje y participación (sistema verbal) y las imágenes asociadas (sistema gráfico). El análisis multimodal se aplica a 41 servicios de 36 universidades públicas y privadas, identificados mediante un cribado sistemático, ofreciendo una primera cartografía crítica en que el sistema universitario español proyecta sus significados sobre diversidad en sus entornos digitales. Los resultados apuntan a una institucionalización parcial y poco transformadora de la diversidad, con un fuerte peso de la discapacidad frente a otras dimensiones.

Teaching staff research in humanities at a Peruvian university: a mixed study

Evelyn-Paola Guillén-Chávez — 2026-06-30

The aim of this study was to analyze the research conducted by humanities professors at a public university in Southern Peru. A mixed approach was used, following a combined qualitative and quantitative design. The sample was convenience-based and non-probabilistic, comprising 53 researchers in humanities. From a quantitative perspective, the study found that most teachers have knowledge of research methodology and the publication of scientific articles; they primarily use qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, and prefer to conduct research as co-authors.From a qualitative perspective, it was found that knowledge production is the main feature of the profile of researchers in the humanities. It is concluded that teachers in the humanities conduct research and contribute to scientific knowledge, although they face a number of disadvantages compared to other fields of human knowledge.

Populist Radical Right and the SDGs: The Vox Electorate in Spain (2024–2025)

Carlos Pablos Romero — 2026-06-30

Europe is experiencing the rise and consolidation of the populist radical right. This article analyzes the extent to which the attitudes and characteristics of the Vox electorate, identified in the literature as a representative of the populist radical right in Spain, may generate tensions in relation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, comparing them with those of the Partido Popular electorate in areas such as immigration, climate change, gender equality, and democratic attitudes. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining a literature review with bivariate analysis of eight CIS surveys (2024–2025), using cross-tabulations and chi-square and Cramer's V tests. The results show that the Vox electorate exhibits higher levels of nativism, climate skepticism, critical positions toward feminism, and lower adherence to certain democratic principles than the Partido Popular electorate, configuring a system of attitudes that may come into tension with several SDGs. These differences could hinder the construction of the social and institutional consensus necessary to advance the 2030 Agenda.

Measurement of technological maturity: empirical studies in a public treasury

Julián Alberto Uribe Gómez — 2026-06-30

Digital transformation in the public sector requires measuring internal capabilities through a multidimensional approach to guide institutional improvement strategies. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted with a sample of 125 officials from the Treasury Subsecretariat of the Medellín Mayor's Office; maturity was operationalized through ten dichotomous dimensions aggregated on a [0,1] scale, estimating a composite index and a structural equation model with a unidimensional confirmatory factor analysis using robust estimation (MLR, Yuan–Bentler). The index indicated an intermediate maturity level of 50.32 points with high dispersion and heterogeneity. The CFA showed significant loadings and high reliability (α=0.829; ω=0.835), with innovation and cybersecurity showing the strongest associations. Conclusions: The index is communicable and converges with latent maturity (r=0.986), but alternative models should be evaluated before asserting full unidimensionality of the model.