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Addressing pronunciation challenges in EFL learners through the Phonics Method
(Ecuador : Pujilí : Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), 2025-08) Rojas Miranda, Salomé Nathaly; Venegas Álvarez, Gina Silvana
This study looks at the impact of phonetics on the development of pronunciation of EFL students in the fifth grade of Unidad Educativa Cerit Latacunga, Ecuador. The study was designed to determine whether a clear and systematic teaching of English consonants through phonetics improves the accuracy of the students' pronunciation. A quantitative quadruple experimental design was used, which included a pretest to assess initial speaking skills, a targeted intervention using phonics strategies, and a follow-up to evaluate progress. Fifteen students aged 9 to 10 participated. The results revealed significant improvement in the articulation of complex English consonants, especially those not found in the students' initial phonological system. These results highlight the effectiveness of phonics instruction in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL), reinforcing its value in promoting clearer speech, improving comprehension, and fostering more confident oral communication among young learners.
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Strategies in Teaching English as a Foreign Language for Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(Ecuador : Pujilí : Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), 2025-08) Palacios Delgado, Ronaldo Andrés; Prado León, Angel Gabriel; Venegas Álvarez, Gina Silvana
This research investigates instructional strategies for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who encounter particular challenges like issues with focus, organization, and impulsivity. The primary aim was to outline and identify the most effective strategies for teaching English to ADHD-affected students. To accomplish this, a qualitative methodology was employed, followed by a descriptive design, which included a survey to twenty (20) pre-service teachers alongside a review of contemporary academic literature. The findings indicate that strategies such as Audio-lingual Method, multisensory teaching, Task-based learning (TBL), Total Physical Response (TPR), and the integration of technology facilitate the engagement and learning of these learners. Nevertheless, there was an identified gap in specific training and confidence among educators to consistently implement these methods, leading to inconsistent teaching practices. The study concludes that continuous professional development, curriculum modifications, and collaborative efforts among educators and institutions are vital for providing inclusive and effective EFL education for students with ADHD.
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Skimming and scanning strategies to develop reading comprehension in EFL students
(Ecuador : Pujilí : Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), 2025-08) Zurita Malliquinga, Wendy Estefany; Castro Bungacho, Sonia Jimena
Reading comprehension in English as a foreign language remains a challenge for many students, despite years of study. Because teaching methods such as translation and memorization are prioritized, ignoring useful strategies such as skimming and scanning. That is why the aim was to determine the reading comprehension level achieved in EFL students by integrating skimming and scanning strategies. Therefore, a qualitative and quantitative approach was used to collect and analyse data through a pre-test, a post-test with readings of urban legends from the Pujilì canton, and a grading rubric with 16 fifth-semester students from the National and Foreign Language Teaching programme at the Technical University of Cotopaxi. The study results showed that the students exhibited deficiencies at the inferential and critical levels. Furthermore, after a pedagogical intervention, their grades improved considerably, as reflected in the post-test results. The study reveals that the implementation of reading strategies contributes to reading efficiency. It is concluded that it is essential to expose these strategies to students as they can greatly help students to process and understand the content of texts, books and readings as time and accuracy are key to increase academic performance. It is recommended that teachers encourage the correct use of these strategies as they enrich and contribute to students' knowledge by provoking reading productivity.
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Prediction model for cacao production integrated into an offline mobile application: the impact of artificial intelligence on agricultural decision-making.
(Ecuador: La Maná: Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi; Extensión La Maná, Carrera de Sistemas de Información, 2025-10-08) Chuqui Alcivar, Dennis Brishith; Torres Jimenez, Alex Joel; Borja Borja, Cristian Darwin; Bajaña Zajia, Johnny Xavier
Cacao production, a key economic pillar for numerous rural communities in Ecuador, faces structural challenges related to climate variability and limited digital connectivity. This study presents the development and implementation of a yield prediction model based on the XGBoost algorithm, integrated into an offline mobile application designed to operate in agricultural environments without internet access. The research followed the CRISP-DM methodology and included the analysis of 5584 observations collected from plots in La Maná (Cotopaxi), corresponding to three cacao genotypes. Variables were processed using cleaning, imputation, and normalization techniques. The predictive model, validated with standard metrics (MSE, RMSE) and an R² of 0.9399, demonstrated robust fit and high interpretability. Subsequently, the model was deployed in a mobile app developed with React Native. Field deployment showed response times under five seconds, compatibility with low-end devices, and high user acceptance. Participatory validation confirmed the practical usefulness of the tool for real-time agronomic decision-making. This work provides evidence of the value of AI tailored to rural contexts and proposes a replicable approach for other value chains under similar conditions.
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Desarrollo de una plataforma integrada para la gestión y monitoreo de alertas generadas por IDPS.
(Ecuador: La Maná: Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi; Extensión La Maná, Carrera de Sistemas de Información, 2025-10-08) Tigasi Morales, Kevin Manuel; Bajaña Zajia, Johnny Xavier; Zajia Jaime, Mesías Cajas
Esta investigación aborda la problemática de la gestión y monitoreo de alertas de seguridad informática en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado (GAD) Municipal del cantón Valencia, donde se evidenció una notoria falta de herramientas automatizadas que permitan una detección y respuesta eficiente ante incidentes de seguridad. El objetivo principal de este estudio es desarrollar una plataforma integrada basada en Suricata, con el propósito de optimizar la recepción, clasificación y análisis de alertas, y así mejorar la eficiencia operativa en el área de ciberseguridad. La investigación adoptó un enfoque mixto, combinando métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos. Se llevó a cabo un diagnóstico inicial mediante encuestas y entrevistas que permitieron identificar las necesidades y desafíos actuales. Posteriormente, se diseñó e implementó una plataforma con módulos funcionales para la administración y visualización de alertas generadas por Suricata. Finalmente, se aplicaron pruebas estructuradas de usabilidad y análisis de satisfacción a usuarios finales. Los resultados reflejan que el 66,67% del personal no dispone de herramientas de automatización y que el 100% considera indispensable contar con clasificación automática de alertas y monitoreo en tiempo real. La plataforma desarrollada permite centralizar y automatizar el tratamiento de alertas, facilitando la priorización y seguimiento de eventos de seguridad. La evaluación de usabilidad evidenció una alta aceptación del sistema, con un 66,67% de usuarios completamente satisfechos, aunque se identificaron oportunidades de mejora en aspectos de navegación y capacitación.