Abstract:

Service Learning (SL) is an active methodology in which students learn simultaneously while offering a service to the community. In Ecuador, service-learning has been one of the main goals of Superior Education Institutions in recent years, and it has been primarily focused on helping the most vulnerable sectors. In this frame, the central motivation of this work was implementing the SL methodology to improve the learning process of students over the level 300-II of the Mining Engineering career at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL). In order to accomplish this purpose, it was developed the project "Management of knowledge of the risks associated with deposits of mining waste resulting from extractive activities in the Mining District Camilo Ponce Enríquez". The objective of the project was to give technical partnership for two Associations, the Miners Association 12 de Octubre and the women Jancheras Association Unión y Progreso (rock waste collectors), solving the deficiencies detected in the development of mining activities.

This study included:
a) a technical component related to the evaluation of the stability of the dumps and the verification of compliance with the environmental mining regulations; and
b) a social and technical diagnosis of the figure of Jancheras.

The students who participated in the project were selected based on minimum requirements regarding the level of studies and approved subjects, thus guaranteeing the basic knowledge required to execute the planned activities. During the execution of activities, ESPOL professors supervised the process and provided timely feedback to the students. As a result, the students diagnosed the mining activities and presented proposals to minimize the potential risk of waste deposits. In addition, technical advice was provided to the jancheras on good practices in mining, mining environmental regulations, and occupational health and safety. The outreach project was an enriching experience for the students since it allowed combining curricular learning with experience in the field. In addition, it promoted the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, social commitment, and learning in values. Additionally, the experience of helping the community and applying knowledge acquired in the classrooms to real cases motivated the students meaningfully.

Keywords:

Service-learning, soft skills, entailment with the community, mining associations.