Zona Próxima

<font color="#000080">ZONA PROXIMA is a scholarly journal in the field of education, set up as organ of the Institute of Studies of Education of the Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia. Our aim is the dissemination of trends, experiences, research findings and theoretical reflection in divers aspects of the field of education.<br></font><br>

List of Papers (Total 425)

Construcción y validación de un instrumento para medir las competencias ciudadanas en estudiantes universitarios

This research sought to construct and validate an instrument to measure citizenship competences in college students. The instrument was constructed using as reference the "Pruebas Saber de Competencia Ciudadana" of 2003-2005 and citizwenship competence standards developed by the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Colombia. This instrument was divided into five...

The gradúate project: a discursive university experience

This paper analyzes the components of a Master’s Degree Paper Proposal (MDPP) and the variables involved in its development. The textual production and comprehension are connected with the writer’s area of knowledge, since the discourse practice is performed in the master’s students’ social sphere. The study comprises: proposal analysis, description of its components...

Reflections in a community of practice on the development of questions

This article includes the reflections in a community of practice, formed by different faculty members of the Universidad del Norte, on the development of questions. This event was held during the year 2012 with the support of the Center for Teaching Excellence (CEDU) and the purpose was to relect on the structure of type test questions based on the peer instruction method...

Familiar communication and academic performance in college students

This article presents the results of a study about family communication regarding academic performance and college students, in order to formulate a theory of social communication and pedagogical value and an appropriate model for communication competence for cultural development in the Colombian Caribbean. The study examined the results of the analysis of the categories: family...

Writing competence in 5th grade students as a result of a pedagógica! supporting program having to do with language aesthetics: poetry

This paper shows the results of a research which aimed at determining the effectiveness of an educational support program related to the language aesthetics: poetry. By using the quantitative approach with a quasi - experimental design, two groups (experimental and control) were measured with a pre-test and post-test, and results were compared. Significant improvements were found...

Design and implementation of activities forstimulation of phonological awareness in pre-kinder and kindergarten

The present study shows the results of a research experience developed during the years 2011 and 2012 in the grades of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in two private schools of Barranquilla. Its principal objective was to develop expertise in the design and implementation of activities for stimulating phonological awareness skills. The project was carried out with nine...

Literary reading: contributions for literature didactics

This paper shows the results of a research about literary readings as school practice, particularly, in those spaces in which literature is taught, and in general, in the education of kids and teenagers. The objectives of this work are: firstly, to formulate a conceptual development of what is generally known as literary experience, considering the relationship of the reader's...

Teaching and assessment of academic writing: analysis of practices reported by French and Colombian professors

This paper shows the results of a research which aimed at describing the conceptions of professors concerning teaching and assessment of academic writing. Ten professors of Psychology, five working in a French university and five working in a Colombian one, were interviewed on two subjects: what are the recommendations they communicate to their students when these have to write...

Reflexiones acerca de la enseñanza de la geografía en el Departamento del Atlántico

This work analyzes the problem of geography teaching in the Departamento del Atlántico, Colombia, which has been affecting this school discipline for many decades and is still far from being solved. It emphasizes its causes, its impact on the poor quality of education and ends with some conclusions and recommendations aimed at overcoming it. It is a descriptive and explanatory...

Adapting cultural materials to meet student needs

This reflection article examines the importance of adapting cultural material to meet student needs and program objectives in two different educational contexts: Indonesia and Colombia. A needs analysis was done at both universities, resulting in material adaptation and development. While intercultural understanding and communication was the content of classes taught in both...

Enseñanza y evaluación de la escritura en la universidad: análisis de prácticas declaradas de docentes franceses y colombianos

This paper shows the results of a research which aimed at describing the conceptions of professors concerning teaching and assessment of academic writing. Ten professors of Psychology, five working in a French university and five working in a Colombian one, were interviewed on two subjects: what are the recommendations they communicate to their students when these have to write...

La competencia escritura! en estudiantes de quinto grado como resultado de un programa de acompañamiento pedagógico relacionado con la estética de! lenguaje: la poesía

This paper shows the results of a research which aimed at determining the effectiveness of an educational support program related to the language aesthetics: poetry. By using the quantitative approach with a quasi - experimental design, two groups (experimental and control) were measured with a pre-test and post-test, and results were compared. Significant improvements were found...

Factores que impiden la aplicación de las tecnologías en el aula

This paper shows the results of a research aimed at identifying the factors that prevent teachers from implementing technological resources in the classroom. The study was carried out with the participation of teachers, parents and students from the Centro Educativo Alto Quebradón, Caquetá, Colombia. The methodological approach used was the mixed one, because data were collected...

Godofredo Cinico Caspa: a positive discourse analysis

Language is undoubtedly the most powerful semiotic resource in every society. Identities, idiosyncrasies, ideologies, and feelings can be evidenced through, and at the same time constructed by, language. Discourse Analysis aims to discover the intentions and meanings in and behind language and how these can (re)construct social structure, relationships, and change. The purpose of...