Challenge and need to train the student assistant to carry out their functions

Abstract

The scientific improvement of the pedagogical and professional training of the assistant students is a necessity to improve their pedagogical practice. Therefore, the present research explored the theoretical, methodological and practical foundations of this process, in the national and international context revealing the pedagogical demands and professional functions that the assistant students must perform. This research is aimed at developing a methodological strategy for the pedagogical and professional training of assistant students at the Havana University. Educational research theoretical methods were used: Historical and Logical, Analysis and synthesis, Induction-deduction and the functional structural systemic method. At an empirical level, the methods employed were the Documentary analysis, Interview, questionnaires, pedagogical test, observation, methodological triangulation and specialists criteria. The percentage analysis was used as a method of descriptive statistics for the interpretation of research results. As a result, a methodological strategy for developing the pedagogical and professional practice of assistant students at the Havana University was proposed. The strategy consists of characteristics, foundations and four stages with actions aimed at developing the teaching –learning process of the assistant students and the methodological work of the faculties and departments where they are inserted and tutored by their teachers. The redesign of assistant students’ schedule was achieved and the methodological work of tutors as well as the pedagogical and professional practice of assistant students were improved through the partial implementation of the methodological strategy. Experts affirm that this proposal is a need in the current setting.