Description

The book examines the connection between higher education and society as a strategic axis for professional training and university social responsibility. From the perspective of the university’s “Third Mission,” it explores how higher education institutions integrate teaching, research, and community actions to promote social transformation, values education, and the ethical and civic development of students. The work addresses the Ecuadorian context, highlighting the need to plan systematic engagement projects oriented toward the real needs of the community, promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice. It emphasizes the roles of the university, the school, the family, and the community as interconnected actors in the comprehensive education of students and in strengthening local social capital. Drawing from the experience of the Education program at Universidad Metropolitana, the book presents the components of the engagement process, including the integration of values, the use of educational technologies, professional relevance, and teacher preparation for interacting with the community. Concrete projects implemented in schools in Guayaquil are analyzed, showing the results and impacts on the training of future professionals and the improvement of community life. The book concludes that social engagement is essential for higher education, as it enhances educational quality, fosters social responsibility, and generates a comprehensive educational model that integrates values, professional competencies, and community participation, contributing to sustainable development and the construction of a more equitable and inclusive society.

Suggested citation (APA, seventh edition)

Luque-Espinoza de los Monteros, M. d. P., & Baute-Rosales, M. (2026). Toward a new management model for social engagement in the Education Program at Universidad Metropolitana. Sophia Editions.