Are you ready to investigate? A diagnosis among tenth-grade students in La Estrella, Colombia

Abstract

The objective of this research is to diagnose the research skills of tenth-grade students in public educational institutions in the municipality of La Estrella. It was framed within the concept of a holistic understanding of science and developed using a holopractical method, through systematic quantitative observation in which four synergies of this study event were evaluated: posing the problem, constructing the frame of reference, designing the method, and communicating the results. The data, analyzed with descriptive statistics and a validated scale, reveal that 88.7% of students fall into the low category. Specifically, 95% show deficiencies in formulating and defining research problems; 100% show deficiencies in critically searching for and organizing information to construct frames of reference; the same percentage lack the skills to design rigorous research methods; and 62% have difficulty communicating results with academic rigor. These findings coincide with national and international studies that point to insufficient development of research skills in secondary education, attributable to traditional pedagogical approaches focused on memorization. It is concluded that this deficiency, in addition to limiting students' academic performance, also hinders their preparation for higher education and everyday life, where critical thinking, informed decision-making, and the ability to discern information in digital environments are required. The urgent need to transform teaching practices through active methodologies to foster a culture of research in schools is highlighted.