A knowledge based analytical model of propaedeutic cycles for higher education: Linking with media education in Colombia

Abstract

A Knowledge based system model to face the new methodological strategy on Higher Education in Colombia is presented: the propaedeutic cycles. A great challenge is presented to Superior Education Institutions: to establish the link between traditional cycles: technical, technology and professional ones with the secondary, basic and media levels. Our solution is presented linking each phase with a propedaeutic component discussed in a model. The model is dialogically integrated by cognitive an informational components. A structural system to determine and analyze the cohesion and coherence of the propedaeutic cycles between competences and the curriculum knowledge. This construct enables curricular knowledge management inside the media and higher education. Several types of matrices are developed; firstly regarding columns: the longitudinal one in time (semesters); secondly the cross one grouped by curriculum subjects, (additionally each cell of them can be expressed by fuzzy values); thirdly regarding the structure: the input/output for optimization purposes. An individualized model of student productivity to be integrated to counteract the stereotypes which considers the technical and technological cycles as relegated careers in higher education. This model is an intelligent knowledge based one which was validated with a software prototype just implemented in the FESSJ. This construct has as its mission the guarantee of quality assurance of student's propaedeutic cycles. A multidimensional flexibility system supported on university autonomy for managing student, pedagogical, and curricular knowledge which enables the management of the heterogeneous and complex environment; this subsystem is intended to ensure continuity and permanence of the student. The earlier is framed within a construct of curriculum knowledge and information. From this it is intended to reduce the high complexity of the harmonization and articulation of the propaedeutic cycles which face the universities when undertaking these projects. Moreover, it is pursued to offer major clarity to the educational community and in this way to contribute to the democratization of the involved knowledge within this methodological strategic articulating efforts according to the policy of the Colombian Government which seeks not only to increase the educational population but also to a major access of the marginalized social population and of those of lower revenues in order to fulfill the right to information executed by the National Constitution of this country