Estrategias educativas basadas en el ABP para la educación ambiental en niños de 4 a 5 años en la Isla Isabela

Abstract

From the research conducted, it was identified that educational institutions on Isabela Island do not use adequate methodologies for teaching environmental education to children from 4 to 5 years of age. Although 58.3% of teachers address environmental issues in the classroom, 86.1% do not use active methodologies such as Project Based Learning (PBL), and 85.7% lack training in this approach. This evidences the need to strengthen their pedagogical competencies and to implement more effective strategies to promote ecological awareness and conservation habits from early childhood. It was also observed that, although parents recognize the importance of environmental education, their participation in sustainable practices is limited, which hinders the consolidation of ecological habits in children. In view of this situation, a pedagogical guide based on PBL was designed, with experiential activities that allow children to learn in a practical and meaningful way. This guide seeks to integrate teachers, students and families in environmental learning experiences that promote reflection and responsible action towards the environment. The methodology used in the research was mixed, including theoretical analysis, surveys of teachers and parents, interviews with experts, and the adaptation of educational strategies to the context of Isabela Island. The results show that both teachers and parents value environmental education, but face difficulties due to the lack of resources, adequate didactic tools and specific training. Therefore, the methodological proposal seeks to integrate a practical and participatory approach, strengthening environmental awareness from an early age. It is concluded that it is essential to incorporate environmental education in a cross-cutting manner at the early educational levels, guaranteeing teacher training, access to adequate resources and collaborative work between families and institutions to achieve a sustainable impact on the community.