Promoting Sustainable Research Competence Through a Problem-Solving Method and a STEM Educational Kit: A Case Study with Nursing Students at a Newly Established Public University in Peru

Ronald Paucar-Curasma (), Richard Yuri Mercado Rivas and Pedro José García Mendoza
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Ronald Paucar-Curasma: Grupo de Investigación TIC Aplicadas a la Sociedad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Tayacaja Daniel Hernández Morillo, Pampas 09156, Peru
Richard Yuri Mercado Rivas: Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Peru
Pedro José García Mendoza: Grupo de Investigación TIC Aplicadas a la Sociedad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Tayacaja Daniel Hernández Morillo, Pampas 09156, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-22

Abstract: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a problem-solving method, grounded in Pólya’s methodological proposal and complemented by a STEM electronic educational kit, in strengthening the research competences of newly admitted nursing students at a public university in Peru. The research followed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measurements applied to a group of students who addressed real community health issues in their local context. The intervention was structured into four phases: understanding the problem, planning activities, execution, and reviewing the solution. The results showed significant improvements across all phases, particularly in problem analysis, autonomous planning, technological application, and critical thinking. The Wilcoxon test yielded p -values < 0.05 in all evaluated dimensions, allowing the rejection of the null hypothesis and confirming the effectiveness of the intervention. It is concluded that the problem-solving method, when integrated with relevant technological tools, is an effective strategy to promote formative research in vulnerable educational contexts. Moreover, it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals—specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)—by fostering inclusive, equitable, and contextually relevant education through socially and technologically meaningful innovation.

Keywords: formative research; research competences; problem-solving method; STEM educational kit; nursing students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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