Strengthening competency for sustainable development critical analysis: application of a virtual learning environment

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development provides students with values, attitudes and knowledge in order to provide alternative solutions to the social, environmental and economic challenges that may be occurring in the present and in the future. The objective of this article is to illustrate the process of strengthening the competence for sustainable development Critical Analysis, which is made up of the components of critical thinking, ethical and intellectual commitment; this development was carried out through the implementation of a Virtual Learning Environment, which consisted of three modules related to: the pollution of the Tunjuelo River, the Tannery Industry in San Benito and the Hybrid Method (which involves the use of chemical precipitation with Magnesium Oxide and the use of a solid residue from the Wet-Blue tannery industry for the removal of chromium in wastewater from the tanning stage). The type of research paradigm was qualitative, with a descriptive scope, which was developed with a group of Initial Teacher Training, belonging to the Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences and Environmental Education of the Public Pedagogical University of Kennedy; to evaluate the strengthening of this competence, three indicators are presented (1- Understands that knowledge is incomplete and is tinged with subjectivity; 2- Understands that every system (economic, social and environmental) presents dysfunctions that can be identified and corrected 3- Recognizes the social, economic and environmental dysfunctions that oppose sustainable development, Proposes alternatives for improvement) and their respective levels, according to the answers provided by the participating population. Within the results obtained there is evidence of a progression in the levels from passing to outstanding, which make up the indicators.