Brechas y Tendencias en la Investigación Educativa en el Ecuador: Una Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura

Abstract

Educational research in Ecuador has gained relevance amid recent social and technological transformations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is essential to understand the trends, advances, and shortcomings in the country's scientific production to guide future educational research and policies. This study aims to analyze the development of educational research in Ecuador during the period 2015-2025, focusing on the methods, topics, and educational levels addressed. A systematic review of 40 academic articles published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted, following the guidelines of the PRISMA declaration. Studies were selected based on criteria of relevance, methodological quality, and thematic relevance. The works were classified according to the methods used, data collection techniques, educational levels, and topics covered, allowing for a complete and exhaustive comparison of scientific production in the country. The findings indicate that descriptive and correlational research predominates, with a particular focus on the use of information technologies and teacher training. Most research is conducted in public institutions and urban areas, ignoring rural and private contexts. The most commonly used techniques are document analysis and surveys, with little evidence of experimental or cause-and-effect methodologies. Furthermore, there is limited integration of higher education studies and systematized theoretical approaches. It is crucial to expand the methods used and broaden the geographic and thematic coverage of research to meet the needs of the Ecuadorian education system.