Transformation of the curriculum of the Agricultural Engineer Career of the University Center of Zacapa

Abstract

Problem: The study program of the Agronomist Engineering degree, from the University Center of Zacapa, was built under the approach of another university center, the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, but it is perceived that, culturally and strategically, it must be created certain reform that is aimed at students having an ascending learning order in their career, that is, starting from the basics in their first cycles, and then going into the specifics, to reach a much better level of skills. Purpose: To improve the curriculum of the career, favoring the logical continuity in the establishment of a theoretical-practical basis, in the structure and continuity of the themes and courses developed during the study of the career. Methodology: an analytical, cross-sectional, qualitative study was carried out, through which a group of professionals determined the coherence of the semester distribution of different subjects, present in the curriculum of a career. Results: 1) better cooperation and responsibility of each team member was obtained; 2) new challenges have been identified that the program must address, such as the need to reorder the courses taught, omit some of them and concatenate the relationship between others; 3) the capacities of the graduate figure have been improved to be more inclusive and action-oriented in the face of contextual challenges; 4) a better linking of pre-knowledge was obtained that finds significance as the career progresses; 5) Additional guidelines have been identified to achieve better curriculum delivery; and 6) an ascending degree of complexity was obtained and that the theoretical and practical foundation is given in a concatenated and gradual way. Conclusions: the review of the current curriculum provided specific elements to improve the curricular scheme of the Agronomist career, through the contextualization in social and occupational tasks. It is suggested to implement an improvement plan through collaboration, continuous expertise and support of the globality of the participants.