Cognitive skills in urban-rural contexts as a basis for STEAM methodology in Initial Education

Abstract

The research “Cognitive skills in urban-rural contexts as a basis for STEAM methodology in early education” is the result of strategic alliances between the Technical University of the North of Ibarra-Ecuador with the CESMAG University Pasto-Colombia, the purpose is to take the first steps in the field of STEAM Methodology; In this context, the objective of the study is to develop a diagnostic evaluation model of cognitive abilities; which tries to respond to the need to observe and understand the differences in cognitive abilities in urban and rural contexts. The scope of the research is mixed, supported by the documentary method and synthesis analysis. The qualitative allowed for an in-depth examination of child development theory, school curriculum, and STEAM needs; The quantitative allowed us to establish the significant differences in the urban-rural context. The results allowed us to observe that within the Educational Units (UE) there is a difference in cognitive development between students, however between urban rural UEs there are no significant differences according to the Chi square statistical test (p-value of 0.157 is greater than the significance level of 0.05). The conclusions determine that the skills evaluation model has been didactic and easy to apply, whose effects establish the ability to enter the innovative world of STEAM, which is very demanding and requires the contribution and commitment of the educational community; Among them, preschool teachers must create these spaces for joint work, coupled with the demands of the 21st century. Keywords: Cognitive skills, initial education, model, evaluation, diagnosis, STEAM methodology.