Characterization of the Teaching Profile within the Framework of Education 4.0

María Soledad Ramírez-Montoya, María Isabel Loaiza-Aguirre, Alexandra Zúñiga-Ojeda and May Portuguez-Castro
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María Soledad Ramírez-Montoya: Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey, School of Humanities, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
María Isabel Loaiza-Aguirre: Innovation, Training and Teacher Evaluation, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
Alexandra Zúñiga-Ojeda: Educational Sciences Faculty, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
May Portuguez-Castro: Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico

Future Internet, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: The authors of the Education 4.0 concept postulated a flexible combination of digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving in educational environments linked to real-world scenarios. Therefore, teachers have been challenged to develop new methods and resources to integrate into their planning in order to help students develop these desirable and necessary skills; hence, the question: What are the characteristics of a teacher to consider within the framework of Education 4.0? This study was conducted in a higher education institution in Ecuador, with the aim to identify the teaching profile required in new undergraduate programs within the framework of Education 4.0 in order to contribute to decision-making about teacher recruitment, professional training and evaluation, human talent management, and institutional policies interested in connecting competencies with the needs of society. Descriptive and exploratory approaches, where we applied quantitative and qualitative instruments (surveys) to 337 undergraduate students in education programs and 313 graduates, were used. We also included interviews with 20 experts in the educational field and five focus groups with 32 chancellors, school principals, university professors, and specialists in the educational area. The data were triangulated, and the results were organized into the categories of (a) processes as facilitators (b), soft skills, (c) human sense, and (d) the use of technologies. The results outlined the profile of a professor as a specialized professional with competencies for innovation, complex problem solving, entrepreneurship, collaboration, international perspective, leadership, and connection with the needs of society. This research study may be of value to administrators, educational and social entrepreneurs, trainers, and policy-makers interested in implementing innovative training programs and in supporting management and policy decisions.

Keywords: teaching profile; educational innovation; higher education; entrepreneurship; Ecuador; Education 4.0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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