Ciencia Digital

The impact of differentiated instruction on vocabulary use in B1-level EFL students’ written production

2026-07-29T21:16:18+00:00

Introduction: vocabulary development is a key component in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning, particularly in writing skills. However, B1-level learners often show limitations in lexical use, affecting coherence and accuracy in written production. Objective: to analyze the impact of differentiated instruction on vocabulary use and writing performance in B1-level EFL students. Methodology: a quantitative quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a mixed-methods approach was applied. The sample consisted of 30 B1-level students aged 18 to 35. The intervention lasted 20 hours and included scaffolded writing activities, differentiated tasks, and formative feedback. Data was collected through writing tests, Likert-scale questionnaires, and observation checklists. Results: significant improvements were found in vocabulary range, accuracy, appropriateness, and coherence. Students also reported positive perceptions of differentiated instruction, and high implementation fidelity was observed. Conclusion: differentiated instruction significantly improves vocabulary use and writing quality in B1-level EFL learners, enhancing linguistic development and learner motivation. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching / Vocabulary development in writing
Type of study: Original article.

Gamification as a pedagogical strategy to increase motivation and promote meaningful learning

2026-08-04T16:23:22+00:00

Introduction: gamification has been consolidated as an innovative strategy in the educational field, allowing the improvement of student motivation and meaningful learning. In contexts where traditional methodologies predominate, low levels of interest and participation are evident, which negatively affect academic performance. Objective: to design a gamification strategy based on the Educaplay tool to increase motivation toward meaningful learning in the subject of social studies. Methodology: a mixed-method and quasi-experimental approach was used, allowing the analysis of both quantitative results and qualitative perceptions through instruments such as pretest, postest, diagnostic survey, and interviews. The results were evaluated using the Likert scale and mean calculation; additionally, a hypothesis test was conducted using Spearman’s Rho statistic. Results: it was evidenced that the implementation of gamified activities significantly increased motivation, active participation, and content comprehension, reflected in improvements across all evaluated dimensions. A high correlation between gamification and motivation was found (Rho = 0.735), as well as significant relationships between motivation and meaningful learning (Rho = 0.804). These results indicate that the use of gamified strategies increases student participation, interest, and engagement, promoting a deeper understanding of the content. Conclusion: the proposal proves to be effective as an innovative strategy to strengthen meaningful learning, if aspects such as proper pedagogical planning, teacher training, and access to technological resources are considered to ensure its correct implementation. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Educational Technology and Didactics. Type of study: Original article.

Citizen participation in local public management in the Riobamba canton, Ecuador, 2025

2026-08-04T16:25:55+00:00

Introduction. Citizen participation is a fundamental pillar of local public management and democratic consolidation. Objective. To examine individual citizen participation in the local public management system of the Riobamba canton. Methodology. An empirical approach was applied using questionnaires administered to a sample of 384 citizens over 18 years of age. Results. A high perception was found that participation mechanisms allow citizens to participate more actively in public decision-making. Conclusion. It is necessary to strengthen participation mechanisms to improve local governance. General area of study: Legal Sciences. Specific area of study: Administrative Law. Type of study: Original article.

Agronomic response of Cratylia argéntea in the subtropical conditions of Cotopaxi

2026-08-04T16:35:23+00:00

Introduction: Forage legumes constitute a strategic resource for livestock production due to their high protein content and nutritional value. Among them, Cratylia argentea stands out for its wide adaptation to tropical and subtropical conditions, high biomass production, and crude protein content ranging from 21% to 28%, characteristics that make it a promising alternative for animal feeding. In Ecuador, the effects of climate change have created challenges for the sustainability of production systems, increasing the need to incorporate resilient species adapted to variable environmental conditions. In addition to its forage value, Cratylia argentea contributes to improving soil fertility through organic matter incorporation and helps reduce emissions associated with livestock systems. In this context, the project aimed to determine its potential as a sustainable alternative to strengthen livestock production. Objective: To evaluate the agronomic response of Cratylia argentea under the subtropical conditions of Cotopaxi. Methodology: The study was conducted at the La Playita Experimental Center of the Technical University of Cotopaxi, La Maná Extension, under subtropical conditions. The agronomic response of Cratylia argentea was evaluated using a completely randomized design with four treatments: control, auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins. Seeds were mechanically scarified and subjected to pre-soaking before sowing. Germination, mortality, emergence, and vegetative growth variables were assessed. Data were analyzed through analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were compared using Tukey’s test at the 5% significance level with InfoStat software. Results: The application of phytohormones significantly improved the agronomic response of Cratylia argentea. Gibberellin enhanced germination, reduced seed mortality, and promoted the greatest plant height, whereas cytokinin increased the number of leaves and branches. The results demonstrate that these phytohormones constitute an effective alternative for optimizing the establishment, growth, and adaptation of this forage species. Conclusions: The application of phytohormones significantly improved the agronomic performance of Cratylia argentea. Gibberellin promoted germination, reduced mortality, and increased plant height, while cytokinin enhanced leaf production and branching. These findings indicate that phytohormones represent an effective agronomic strategy to improve the establishment and vegetative development of these forage species under subtropical conditions. General study area: Agronomy. Specific study area: Production. Article type: Original.

Innovative instructional strategies for developing creative learning in language and literature in the third year

2026-08-04T16:42:08+00:00

Introduction: the development of creative learning in language and literature in the third year of basic education is a fundamental process for the comprehensive education of students, since it favors the expression of ideas, imagination and the meaningful construction of knowledge. Objectives: the present research focused on the objective of designing innovative didactic strategies for the development of creative learning in third-year students. Methodology: the research approach is mixed, theoretical, empirical and statistical-mathematical methods were used. Among the theoretical methods, the historical-logical method was used to identify trends in the evolution of the object of study; systematization, with the purpose of reaching theoretical generalizations; and modeling, aimed at the scientific construction of the proposal. Results: limitations were identified in the originality of oral and written productions, in the generation of creative ideas and in the use of innovative didactic resources in the classroom. Conclusions: based on these results, innovative didactic strategies aimed at the development of creative learning were proposed as a scientific result, which promote active participation, imagination, interpretation of texts and literary production. The proposal was evaluated through the partial introduction in educational practice, which allowed evidence of its didactic effectiveness in strengthening creativity in language and literature. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Didactics of Language and Literature. Item type: Original.