El compostaje como estrategia pedagógica para el manejo adecuado de residuos orgánicos

This research, titled "Composting as a Teaching Strategy for the Proper Management of Organic Waste at the Inda Sabaleta Bilingual Agro-Environmental Technical School in Tumaco-Nariño", addresses an urgent environmental issue in the Indigenous Reserve of Inda Guacaray. The uncontrolled accumulation of organic waste near homes has caused serious problems such as bad odors, the presence of disease-carrying insects, and environmental degradation. To tackle this, the study proposed composting as an educational strategy to help students understand how to manage organic waste in a responsible and sustainable way. The main goal was to strengthen environmental awareness among fifth-grade students through didactic sequences focused on composting. A mixed-method approach was used, combining both qualitative and quantitative tools like surveys, pre- and post-tests, and classroom activities. The results showed that students improved their knowledge of waste separation and composting techniques. Before the intervention, most had little understanding of these topics. However, after participating in the hands-on activities, they were more capable of identifying organic waste and appreciated composting as a practical and eco-friendly solution. The project demonstrated that composting is an effective teaching strategy for environmental education in rural and Indigenous contexts. It not only reduces waste but also motivates students to participate actively and promotes positive changes in the school and the wider community. This model can be used in other schools to support the development of responsible, environmentally conscious citizens.