Bachillerato intensivo: Experiencias y necesidades educativas desde historias de vida.

Abstract

This research paper, entitled “Intensive Baccalaureate: Experiences and educational needs from life stories”, analyzes the experiences of adults in the Intensive Baccalaureate Program in Ecuador. Based on the Interpretative Paradigm, a qualitative approach and the method of life stories are used. In-depth interviews were used as a data collection technique to explore the reasons for dropping out of school, the motivations for returning to school and the barriers they face in their educational reintegration process. The study reveals that factors such as economic hardship and family structure, in particular the need to work from an early age and single-parent parenting, contributed significantly to school dropout. However, participants showed high motivation to return to school, motivated by the desire to improve their self-esteem and achieve personal and professional goals. Despite barriers, such as work and family responsibilities, community and family support was crucial to their reintegration. In addition, the impact of the pandemic on the educational decisions of some participants is highlighted. The research concludes that it is necessary to strengthen economic and family support, as well as to implement more flexible educational programs that respond to the needs of adults in the educational reintegration process.