Competencies Required in Education Research and Teaching Systematization according to Students from the Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education Programs of the University of Costa Rica

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of two online forums carried out with the participation of 42 students of the Licenciaturas  in Preschool Education, Primary Education and Secondary Education of the University of Costa Rica. The main purpose of the forums was to determine the insights of the participant students about the competencies they have achieved in the field of education research, and which have been the essential tools for them to systematize their own teaching practices. The discussion forums were part of the course FD5091 Métodos de Investigación Educativa [Education Research Methods] of the School of Teacher Education, delivered from March-April 2010.  Of the sample, 60 percent were students of the Preschool teaching program, 35 percent were from the Primary Education teaching program and 5 percent were from the Secondary Education teaching program in the fields of Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. According to the insights and beliefs showed by the participants –both, the future teachers and the profession practitioners–, there are no opportunities for research or systematization of their own teaching mediation, in the current work situation.(1) Translator’s Note: In Costa Rica, the “Licenciatura” is a one-year post-Bachelor study program, usually including thesis. “Primary Education” refers to students from the 1st to 6th grades, and “Secondary Education” refers to students from the 7th to 11th grades.

ESTUDIO GEOGRÁFICO DE LA CONTAMINACIÓN DE LAS AGUAS DEL RÍO CIRUELAS, HEREDIA-ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA.

Este artículo se deriva de una investigación más amplia sobre la contaminación de la cuenca del río Ciruelas, aplicando métodos y técnicas de investigación geográfica. A partir de la definición de las características físico-naturales, del uso de la tierra, su dinámica y de los análisis físicos, químicos y bacteriológicos de las aguas, se procede a la precisión de áreas críticas. Los resultados obtenidos se incluyen en una cartografía temática de rigurosa elaboración con base en la aplicación de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIGs). Finalmente, se entregan una serie de conclusiones y recomendaciones orientadas a mejorar la calidad ambiental de la cuenca del río Ciruelas. ABSTRACT This article derives from a broader research developed by the authors about the Ciruelas river watershed contamination. Applying geographical research methods and techniques. Critical areas are identified after the definition of physical and natural characteristics, land use determination, and the physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis of water and its dynamics. Outcomes are included in a theme cartography of rigorous elaboration based on Geographical Information Systems application. Finally, a series of conclusions and recommendations are given focusing on the improvement of the environmental quality of the Ciruelas river watershed.