Integration of Technological Resources and Problem-Solving Method for the Development of Research Competencies in Engineering and Nursing Students from Two Public Universities in Peru

This study analyzed the implementation of a problem-solving method based on Pólya’s proposal, complemented by accessible technological resources such as the Arduino board, sensors, and STEM educational cards, in engineering and nursing students from public universities in Peru. A quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test was used, employing a quantitative approach and intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The participants were 98 first-year students who developed formative research projects contextualized to their local reality, using the visual programming environment mBlock. The results show significant development of research competencies in both majors, especially in the solution review phase, evidencing critical thinking and reflective evaluation. No significant differences were found between the majors regarding the use of educational technology, reinforcing its cross-disciplinary applicability. It is concluded that the combination of Pólya’s method and the use of accessible technologies strengthens active, reflective, and contextualized learning in higher education.