Tefl journal of didactics

TEFL Journal of Didactics
A student-generated journal of didactics in TEFL
UNA Nicoya
English as a Foreign Language Teaching Major
Second Year Cohort
Prof. Dr. Gilberto Hernández Quirós
TEFLAcademic Professor
April – May 2021 issue
Remote Presence Learning and Teaching

TEFL Journal of
Didactics
TEFL Journal of Didactics is an academic,
student-generated bimonthly journal of
written expression at the National
University of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus
as part of the Didactics in Teaching
English as a Foreign Language course.
It is intended to provide students with
opportunities to publish their learning
experiences, do research and share
emerging meaningful, innovative
teaching approaches and dynamics with
the UNA community.
TEFL Journal of Didactics : a student-generated journal of written expression.
UNA Nicoya 2021 2

Our Team
Contributors: English as a Foreign Language Teaching Major
Second Year Students
Editor in Chief: Prof. Dr. Gilberto Hernández Quirós
Course: Didactics in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Themes: methodology, pedagogy, didactics, innovative teaching approaches,
remote presence learning and teaching
Disclaimer:
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various student authors
in this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of
the whole UNA community at all its different campuses. This journal is rather
a project for non-native speakers of English in the course of Didactics in
Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Its goal is to empower students to
project and strengthen their writing skills as accurately and professionally as
possible. There may be linguistic inaccuracies which will serve to embark on a
continuous improvement process.
TEFL Journal of Didactics: a student-generated journal of didactics. UNA Nicoya 2021 3
Drone photo of San Blas Colonial Church, square and Central Park of Nicoya.

OUR /daɪˈdæk.tɪks/
TEAM
Didactics refers to the art and science of
teaching and instruction for any given field
of study such as anthropology, business
administration, chemistry, education and
engineering, to name a few. Based on
theoretical foundations, a didactic approach
involves a very structured and informed
approach to teaching and instruction
whether it is face-to-face (in person) or on
remote presence learning.

OUR TEAM
/ˌmeθ.əˈdɒl.ə.dʒi/

Inside this issue
(pages 13 to 24)
PAGE
• Education: The Most Important Source of Learning 13
By Daniela de los Ángeles González Vargas
• Education as a Tool for Development 16
By Donald Mora Acosta
• Our Contribution to Education 18
By Fiorella de Jesús López Zúñiga
• United We Can Make a Difference in Education 21
By Keilyn María Baltodano Martínez
• Education is a Gift to Everyone 23
By Jefferson Ortiz Vargas

Inside this issue
(pages 36 to 40)
PAGE
• Education and its Challenge to Improve 25
By Catharina Bosgraaf Obando
• The Importance of Learning through Meaningful Education 28
By Fátima Isabel Campos Araya
• Is Education a Necessary Utopia? 31
By Karla Vanessa Pereira Ramírez
• The Importance and Positive Impact of Education 35
By Camila Coto Mena

Inside this issue
(pages 41 to 50)
PAGE
• Transforming Education as an Opportunity to Improve 37
By María Belén Juárez Leandro
• Strive Constantly Towards Success 41
By María Zeneyda Pérez Hernández
• Learning Throughout Life and the Four Pillars of Education 43
By Denisse Matarrita Pérez
• The Importance of Learning to Do 46
By Kaslin Graciela Zúñiga Fajardo
• The Importance of Parents in Online Education 48
By Nayeli Michelle Diaz Villalobos

Inside this issue
(pages 51 to 64)
PAGE
• Education as a Tool to Achieve Personal Development 51
By Melany Ramírez Zúñiga
• Strengthening Human Values and Global Commitment 53
By Ana Gabriela Ortega Fallas
• Four Pillars of Education: Their Importance in Our Educational Process 57
By Christian Nemesio Solís Matarrita
• Designing and Building Our Common Future 61
Amauri García Suárez
• Combining Education with Experience to Succeed 63
Juan David Gutiérrez Rodríguez

Inside this issue
(pages 64 to 68)
PAGE
• Learning Throughout Life: The Heartbeat of Society 65
• By Alison Álvarez Ortiz
• Digital Divide Among Students During the Pandemic 68
By Dr. Gilberto Hernández Quirós

Education: The Most Important Source
of Learning
By Daniela de los Ángeles González Vargas
González, D. (2021). Education: The Most Important Source of Learning. TEFL Journal of
Didactics. National University of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Key words: education, UNESCO, students, learning, conscience
“Each person has a treasure inside of them. Each mind is a world and
sometimes people are not aware of it. Some even do not know that
such things as creativity, intelligence, values, memory, and other
treasured and worthwhile characteristics do exist and that can be useful
in life.”

Education: the most important source of learning (1)
By Daniela González Vargas
Education has been the most important tool, and which provides a methodology for students
to learn have access to knowledge, values and ongoing progress. The Commission (a UNESCO
group of specialized professionals as per a report by Jacques Delors) aims to improve learning
by centering on young people with the final purpose of changing the world into a better
place to live. Indeed, young people can change economic, political, and social realities with
positive solutions having the knowledge that the Commission desires to bring about
following the pivotal role by UNESCO regarding education and referring to ethnic groups,
culture, self-understanding, taking care of the environment. Students must be aware of their
surroundings and have a disposition to protect the communities in which they live.
The Commission in this UNESCO report is interested in the education of youth. It is creating
reforms in order to change it into a new term to learn, but it is ignoring the useful methods
that help inform parents, students, teachers, and professors. Besides, this is causing the
denial to these reforms because they are unaware of the content of it. However, and in order
to tackle this, the Commission is implementing the usage of the four pillars of education:
Learning to live together and have better understanding that we all depend on each other
including culture, values and accept the differences among individuals.

Education: the most important source to learn (2)
By Daniela González Vargas
Learning to know brings enough information that can be effective where
people who accept and internalize this knowledge and learn throughout their
lives. Learning to do which means that students can experience a work
situation and are given a job to acquire new abilities and face different
situations in life. Learning to be is conducive towards awareness and
reinforcement of their own values and responsibilities. These four pillars of
education can certainly improve students’ performance and thus improve
their lives and those of their families and communities.
Each person has a treasure inside of them. Each mind is a world and
sometimes people are not aware of it. Some even do not know that such
things as creativity, intelligence, values, memory, and other treasured and
worthwhile characteristics do exist and that can be useful in life. It would be
amazing for people to include all these personality traits as an advantage to
know themselves and improve in their studies to change the world for a
better place.

Education as a Tool for
Development
Mora, D. (2021). Education as a Tool for Development. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University of
Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Key words: education, development, progress, students, countries
“It is important for humankind to know about the rights that both women and
men have in every civilized society and living with no distinction or
discrimination whatsoever. From my point of view, education provides us all
with more opportunities to progress and ensure continuous improvement”.

Education as a Tool for Development
The article titled Learning: the treasure within encompasses the importance and all the benefits of
education in the world and in each country because it is responsible for the development and progress
of humankind, and which helps break ignorance and decrease poverty. Education also helps to avoid
wars. However, it has not been considered as it should and has even been criticized. There are people
who ignore how education can improve socially by bringing peace and freedom. It strengthens social
justice is in our society. Despite all these benefits, it can be shown that even in rich countries
unemployment, social and economic problems are still presented.
The way education plays a role in people’s improvement and the mission of discovering the potential
for them to realize “the treasure within” and know all the characteristics and performance they can
develop and deploy on their daily routines. Indeed, they can improve their memory, reasoning power,
imagination, physical ability and the ability of communicate with other people and the charisma of
becoming leaders in their communities.
Additionally, it is important to consider the role that UNESCO plays in the worldwide progress by
looking for a better place in which to live in this world. It is important for humankind to know about
the rights that both women and men have in every civilized society and living with no distinction or
discrimination whatsoever. From my point of view, education provides us all with more opportunities
to progress and ensure continuous improvement.
Retrieved from: http://otrasvoceseneducacion.org/archivos/187868

Our Contribution to Education
López, F. (2021). Our Contribution to Education. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University of
Key words: education, society, values, knowledge, abilities
“As professors, we need to be a guide to our students in vital
aspects of their lives and motivate them to follow their dreams
and keep in mind that we will be teaching people, not
machines”.

Education as a Tool for Development (1)
The main parties contributing to the success of educational reforms are the local
community including parents, school administration, teachers, public authorities
and the international community. It is important to remember that our English
teaching major implies that we are going to work to make the educational reforms
for our country’s success, and for this, we must develop abilities to work as a
team. As it happens, sometimes one of the main parts will not do their job, so of
course we must do our best to close the gap this might cause.
Even though I may not earn much income for educating people (as I perhaps
would do in a different occupation), I will be satisfied to know that I will have
helped to change the future of people just because I taught them something
useful and worthwhile. As a matter of fact, as future educators we need to
remember to always teach with passion and not only do our job for money.
We are going to teach the new generations, and we should do it with respect,
love, patience and responsibility so that we may contribute to the creation of a
better society in which values become something essential in our lives.

Education as a Tool for Development (2)
Moreover, it is imperative to mention that we need to be a guide to our
students in some vital aspects of their lives and motivate them to follow
their dreams and keep in mind that we will be teaching people, not
machines.
I really hope that in the future I will be able to contribute to make valid one
of the most important rights which is access to education because I am
studying this major to share my knowledge with other people and, to be
honest, I cannot wait to do that.

United We Can Make a Difference in Education
Baltodano, K. (2021). United We Can Make a Difference in Education. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University
of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Keywords: values, effort, dedication, opportunities, diversity
´´It is a responsibility that we have in our hands and that we can change if we unite
as a country to create unions and thus have better expectations to make significant
changes in the lives of the people who fight to make the country progress and have
a good development and create more employment opportunities. That should be in
an egalitarian way since it brings many advantages to the country and be motivated
to get ahead with optimism and conviction willing to achieve a great significant
change´´ .

United We Can Make a Difference in Education
Since ancient times people have had various problems that still exist today.
Considering the fact that all human beings have different points of view, there will
always be disagreement, and it is for this reason that many problems have arisen
such as racism in public education because of cultural diversity that can be found in
a school community. Indeed, this is a never-ending problem and different ways to
solve it has always been sought although it has been almost impossible. It
decreased for a certain time but then it continues.
However, everyone is given the opportunity to avoid inequality since we are human
beings, and we all have the same rights no matter where you are from or whatever
your economic level may be as well as the resources that you may have available.
Education is very important because everything we can do depends on it, so it is
essential for our lives. It is truly necessary to take into account that we need to
find a way to fight so that education continues since it is necessary for future
generations.
It is a responsibility that we have in our hands and that we can change if we unite
as a country to create unions and thus have better expectations to make significant
changes in the lives of the people who fight to make the country progress and have
a good development and create more employment opportunities. This should be
done in an egalitarian way since it brings many advantages to the country and be
motivated to get ahead with optimism and conviction willing to achieve a great
significant change.

Education is a Gift to Everyone
Key words: education, personal development, humankind, learning process, values
“The concept for progress of humankind and how education is indispensable to our
own process in personal, professional and social development. Learning and
teaching should be aimed at avoiding bad or negative things”.
Ortiz, J. (2021). Education is a Gift to Everyone. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University

Education is a Gift to Everyone
The concept for progress of humankind and how education is indispensable to our own
process in personal, professional and social development. Learning and teaching should
be aimed at avoiding bad or negative things. Therefore, education should lead us
towards a lifestyle and solid culture of peace, freedom and social justice with values that
we must have in our minds to build a better society.
The reading by Jacques Delors shows us how our century has been and the implications
that came out to light related to the economic and social implication of progress with or
without education. As a matter of fact, we must teach values and reinforce educational
systems as part of our effort in building a good society. Personal and professional
development are indispensable in creating a new generation that will be headed towards
ongoing improvement. The view of Commission (as per a UNESCO report) focuses on
progress through education which happens to be the best mechanism that we have in
our hands. That is precisely the reason we, as a worldwide community, must have
relevant connections in views of the development of good relationships among humanity
and countries.

Education and its Challenges to Improve
Bosgraaf, C. (2021). Education and its Challenges to Improve. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University
Key words: education, challenges, students, teachers, opportunities

Education has presented many changes over the years, more and more innovative methods are being implemented in education in
general, both in Costa Rica and in other countries. In addition, I think that education is no longer as before as expressed in the
document (Learning : The Treasure Within), and it has even become more inclusive for all children, adolescents and adults.
Therefore, there is no longer so much educational exclusion as when a student decides to no longer attend the educational center,
perhaps for social and economic reasons. Education is now more accessible to everyone, and schools provide more facilities for
students who have both academic and social difficulties. That is the difference that is noticeable today, what's more, in the old days,
not all people had time or resources to attend educational centers, and there were no modern-day technologies that help students
so much.
Therefore, today educational institutions try to train people for certain professions or encourage people to know how to carry out
work and daily life. Every year the ministries of education, university and education centers are investigating the advance on
setback of Costa Rican education this in order to provide a quality education. In addition, it encourages changes to improve all
educational centers, and this according to the needs of each community and area where they are located. In my experience as a
student in a rural area. I have seen how educational centers, and teacher training have changed.

Since not all educational centers have the same teaching methods or the number of students to carry out their approach or specific
methods. Therefore, every student should take education seriously because it is a right that the government grants to all people.
However, I think that universities should give more opportunities to people with limited resources since the university is not fully
accessible to everyone; for example, I have seen many situations in my community about people who graduate from high school,
but they cannot enter to a public or private university, perhaps due to the economic situation since, they do not have the resources
to pay for a university, or they cannot obtain a scholarship, and in the end they decide to drop out of college. But I have also
witnessed the benefits offered by the university, and other educational centers to support Costa Rican professional training. In
addition, they also manage to implement the result to human rights, and social equality for both women and men that is good for
our country. I feel that everything that the reading expresses is very true, and I hope that our country can improve even more in
terms of education.

The Importance of Learning Through Meaningful
Education
Campos, F. (2021). The Importance of Learning Through Meaningful Education. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National
University of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Key words: education, learning, development, teaching, values
“Education plays an important role in people's lives because through it we
can acquire great knowledge and not only to pass a test or comply with an
academic work or assignment. It also prepares us for many aspects of our
personal and social life”.

The Importance of Learning Through Education (1)
Learning throughout life means that we do not learn everything from
education, so instead it is life in general that should teach us. The twenty first
century has come with a huge impact on people’s lives. Right now, people are
learning how to learn individually. In learning how to learn since the very
beginning stages of life, we are required to understand other people to have
mutual comprehension because this world lacks harmony and peace as well.
Since the Commission (as per a UNESCO report) has put a greater emphasis
on the four pillars of education, especially on learning to live together. It is
clear that the Commission wants people to understand world history,
background, traditions and values. To control the inevitable conflicts in an
intelligent and peaceful way is another thing that the Commission is aiming
at, but is a utopia required? and what is a utopia? Utopia means, a project, a
desire or a plan that is beneficial for a common population. Even though the
other three pillars of education are present according to the Commission.
The first being learning to know which helps people to understand this
globalized world in which we live with a fast development in terms of science,
technology, economy, and knowledge. So, education in general is necessary
with a selected number of subjects. Then, we have learning to do and be able
to do a job. This pillar guides us to acquire competencies and skills to deal
with a big variety of situations, usually situations for which we are not ready.

The Importance of Learning (2)
Learning to do is more practical, and people need to try out and develop their
abilities. After that, there is learning to live together which means the
development of our social skills and how we build relationships in each society.
We, as human beings, are socially dependent and simply cannot live in isolation.
Social skills and values such as respect and concern for others, social and inter-
personal skills and an appreciation of diversity among people are vital in the
learning process. These skills should enable individuals and societies to live in
peace and harmony.
Last, but far from least, learning to be which clearly presents the role of
education in developing all dimensions of the whole person, to achieve the
physical, intellectual, emotional, and ethical integration of individuals into a
complete human being. In twenty first century, it is difficult to have a human with
all these qualities described before. Education has to deal with the fact that we
are in an ever-changing world and to teach people how to live in this globalized
world.

Is Education a Necessary Utopia?
Pereira, K. (2021). Is Education a Necessary Utopia? TEFL Journal of Didactics. National
Key words: education, multi pluralism, technology, utopia, generations
“As future educators, we must always take into account that the best
way to educate responsible human beings with mentalities that adapt
to current needs is through healthy and effective learning mixing soul,
mind and vocation”.

Is Education a Necessary Utopia (1)
As the years go by, human beings develop and expand their knowledge, cultures and
technologies, but they also bring a lot of damage to Mother Earth because the more
human beings advance, the less they care about the environment. Consequently,
they will bring the inevitable destruction of the human race and the whole world.
That is why it is vitally important that we modernize the mentalities of our future
generations, and what better way than from our classrooms, schools, high schools
and universities (remotely or in-person) because educational institutions have a great
and important impact on the development of the personality and criteria of each
child and young person. However, how can we live in a globalized world with a
mixture of cultures if we cannot even live in our own communities? The best way to
naturalize and accept multiculturalism is to instill in the new generation ideals that
adapt to current needs. For example, eliminating corrupt forms of government by
practicing a just and equitable democracy; likewise, promote the importance of caring
for the environment, developing sustainable technologies together with sustainable
human development. Additionally, we must foster understanding and respect
between different ethnic groups and cultures and all with the idea of seeking equity
and promoting values such as respect, eliminating bad attitudes such as racism and
xenophobia.

On the other hand, accepting modernity and multiculturalism does not mean that we
must allow ourselves to be absorbed by traditions and customs from other places, that is,
we must not allow that globalization unify world culture. Although the expansion and
opening of territorial barriers has brought progress and better living conditions, it is of
the utmost importance that we maintain our roots, because if we lose our identity, what
are we going to become? We must remember that there will be ways to improve and
advance, but always maintaining our indigenous, mestizo, black, Asian or Hispanic culture
through knowledge, study and preservation of our roots which can and must be instilled
from generation to generation because it depends on them whether or not customs and
traditions are preserved. Children and young people are the future of humanity, they are
among the most important people because they will be in charge of giving continuity to
civilizations, but unfortunately sometimes they are not giving the corresponding value
and interest. For that reason, policies or informative programs should be promoted and
adapted to the needs of children and young people. We can start with educationbecause
as we all know “education is the basis for progress.” Through education, the acquisition
of intellectual and social skills are promoted because when they interact in the classroom
with other children and young people, it helps to develop their very own selves, make
friends, establish their own criteria on different topics and make them productive
members of society.

We cannot talk about training for future generations without first also referring to the
people in charge of guiding and educating them. Those in charge should be teachers and
professors who go the extra mile every day to provide quality education. However,
reforms must be made in the programs and teaching methods and teachers must receive
workshops and keep in constant training given the fact young people and teaching
methods are evolving very quickly. Another important point is that many times teachers
and professors are not properly supported and there are unions or associations of
teachers, but they only defend their own interests without paying attention to what
really matters: giving priority to educators since they must be able to train and guide
future generations. In short, you should not only invest in good educators, but also in
materials and tools that can be used for more effective education and understanding. We
must take advantage of the many opportunities that are offered today mediated through
advanced technologies. Nonetheless, the latter are often only possessed by the most
developed countries. It is important not to make a division between the public and/or
private educational sectors since the values and knowledge to be promoted must be the
same. Furthermore, implementing training for the most disadvantaged groups is
fundamental to their rights as human beings. Indeed, educational training is a tool that
helps us to better integrate ourselves into society. Finally, we must not lose the heritage
and roots that we posses and our cultures. The most important thing is to seek the
common good through proper education, ensuring the safety of future generations.

The Importance and Positive Impact of Education
By Camila Coto Mena
Coto, C. (2021). The Importance and Positive Impact of Education. TEFL Journal of Didactics.
National University of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Key words: education, society, development, students, generations
"Education is the most important key that societies can take to have more
opportunities in our life; in addition to this, it is essential to know that
education can bring us many positive results; for instance, if we study, we
can learn many things, but ones of the most enriching teachings that we
can get of education it is to learn how to be a better person, how can we
change our word and how to make a positive impact in our society”.

The Importance and Positive Impact of Education
By Camila Coto Mena
Education is truly the most important key that societies can take to have more
opportunities in our life; in addition to this, it is essential to know that education can
bring us many positive results; for instance, if we study, we can learn many things, but
ones of the most enriching teachings that we can get of education it is to learn how to be
a better person, how can we change our word and how to make a positive impact in our
society.
Education is very important because when world goes through a bad situation, that is
perhaps when young people or new generations must take control and help resolve
situation. Education is a fundamental key on which people must in views of ensuring
continuous improvement. The reading by Jacques Delors mentions that “currently
education can mean flexibility, diversity, tolerance, equality and respect and the most
important is that it works against to unemployment, inequality, social exclusion,
poverty, ignorance.
Presently, there are various methods to assure optimal education. As affirmed in the
reading, one of them may be that educators learn from their students and not only teach
but make also the class more interesting and more dynamic rather than just staying calm
and quiet. The learning process should be a memorable and enjoyable experience at all
times!

Transforming Education as an Opportunity to Improve
Key words: learning, enriching, activity, opportunities, progress
“My favorite characteristic about education is its universal sense
because learning is not defined to just one method, and it cares about
forming capable individuals within society to discover their full potential
and personality“.

Transforming Education as an Opportunity to Improve (1)
It is important to acknowledge education as a never-ending process that allows people to establish real connections. Since its
objective is about adopting a broader vision as well as the elimination of any kind of social exclusion that results from certain
attitudes and responses to social and racial diversity, cultural backgrounds, gender, and abilities. Indeed, my favorite characteristic
about education is its universal sense because learning is not defined to just one method, and it cares about forming capable individuals
within society to discover their full potential and personality. This can be achieved through recognizing capacities, acknowledge
necessities, providing resources for training, teaching relevant knowledge, support individuals in their academical process and allow
people to have enriching experiences through learning.
First, we can analyze the importance of this exchange with each other and how the reading refers to education as a valuable
right. Essentially, this right has been a crucial element along history helping to promote and enrich diversity; according to Howard
Gardener (1983) who proposes to recognize the existence of eight different and independent intelligences: musical, naturalistic,
linguistic, mathematical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and bodily intelligence (para.3), we all are born with skills and abilities
determined by genetics, but it is essential to understand how these potentialities must be stimulated and will be developed
depending on the social and family environment. Such particularities characterize humans which is the reason are all different
especially in the combinations of intelligences, capacities, motivations, and aspirations.

Education offers us the unique opportunity to give knowledge a special meaning and to understand different perceptions in
order to handle many problems that humanity is nowadays facing. Consequently, it can be considered that a way to eradicate this
culture of division, inequity, and injustice is by creating academic environments where professors are led towards a more
comprehensive knowledge on the needs of the human being with the objective of strengthening weak areas and support work forces
that provide the necessary resources for education to take place and especially to provide appropriate advice to transmit and achieve
meaningful learning in students.
Secondly, we can realize that oftentimes education has not been perceived as an important element for social movement.
Unfortunately, an agenda based on economic and political matters is a priority. Certainly, the reading was clear to show how leaving
the educational process aside is a big mistake since progress is acquired with this practice. In some countries learning it is viewed as a
transformation that supports and celebrates the creation of open-minded individuals who can give back to their communities. A
compelling example can be the way in which people in extreme poverty are approached by the governments because leaders most of
the times consider as a feasible solution to give an amount of money to this population, but like this fails as a long-term solution. In
fact, what is really needed are resources for training, job opportunities, basic educational resources, technological devices to perform
in the digital era among other skills and abilities for success by their own terms. This can be achieved with Education as a priority.

Certainly, it is lovely to identify how the reading refers to education and learning as a way of expressing affection in the most
honest manner. This is an indispensable consideration for the most vulnerable population. For instance, UNESCO is advocating for the
youth and children because they seek the application of technological and social advances, according to (UNESCO , 2018) “Today´s
youth are raising their voices to shape the present and futures of their countries. They want to be heard, included in decision -making
debates and make change.” (para .16). In this context of preparation, this organization is looking to increase the participation of young
individuals, integrating newer views validating concerns of the youth, giving them at the same time empowerment as individuals.
This way, the main purpose is to understand the importance of applying good pedagogical instruments when it comes to
teaching attitudes and values, also for building ethical criteria, and learning to do the right thing. As a matter of fact, we as individuals
have the control on what is the ambition that moves us to be good people. It is essential to learn to be tolerant and supportive with
each other because we are human and as such extent diversity share the same exact rights and feelings.

Strive Constantly Towards Success
By María Zeneyda Pérez Hernández
Key words: arising, awareness, background, disregard, humankind

Strive Constantly Towards Success
In the present investigation chapter of “looking ahead” (Delors, Jacques, 1991, Learning: the treasure within), I can observe the
change in the world regarding unemployment and the inequalities. People have experienced great discrimination mainly those of
extreme poverty; however, this has changed lately based on financial aid that has been provided. Children and young have been
negatively affected in their studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a matter of fact, many students have abandoned their
studies and dropped out of school or universities. The latter has occurred as a result of not having the necessary means and
resources to receive virtual classes. Unfortunately, all of this results in an increase of abject poverty. Even though humanity has
faced similar tragedies or pandemics in ancient times, many negative things are still happening in the present and we were not
prepared for this horrific situation.
We must make the change now and take into account new alternatives to get out of this emergency and look to the future of future
generations and leave well-marked footprints with good examples by teaching them how to care for and fight for the world in which
we live. We must set a life expectancy and believe that everything will change for better and that if something comes, it should be
to change our lives positively and leave a lesson and thus improve as humankind. We must take care of the environment, animals
and avoid polluting for our own benefit. If we fail to do so, then we will have to face the music.
It should be our goal to maintain the recognition or esteem towards others. That is why it is necessary to put energy into thinking
about our future and to have hope because orienting towards the future is looking ahead, not with fear. Let us see how we can
think about the future in a positive way and manage to spend these days in a kinder way.

Learning Throughout Life and the Four Pillars of Education
Matarrita, D. (2021). Learning Throughout Life and the Four Pillars of Education. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University of
Key words: renewal , heartbeat , method , disenchantment, duty
“People learn in different ways and in different
environments, so they should be empowered to know to
use their skills and be aware of the most appropriate
method of learning”.

Learning Throughout Life and the Four Pillars of Education (1)
After completing the reading entitled Learning: the treasure by Jacques
Delors, there were two aspects that called my attention. The first aspect is
about the concept of learning throughout life (or lifelong learning) which
happens to be in the heartbeat of society and should likewise be a
permanent condition and disposition to learn and change positively
Education is a continuing process at full length of life. It is important to
consider the problems that people must face in their lives and their work as
well. As we know, not everyone has the same economic opportunities as
others and some of them cannot develop their abilities to learn and
specialize on a specific field. For this reason, the educational system needs
to support people with necessities in order to achieve a better academic
performance and to help them get a good job with optimal conditions.
People learn in different ways and in different environments, so they should
be empowered to know how to use their skills and be aware of the most
appropriate method of learning. Also, some important aspects to achieve
and seek in the learning process are are peace and harmony.

Learning Throughout Life and the Four Pillars of Education (2)
The second aspect that called my attention was the actual declaration of the four
pillars of education. One of them is learning to live together which means that
people need to be respectful with others no matter the culture, beliefs, religion,
gender, and/or sexual orientation. This is essential in the creation of common
projects, making mutual decisions, and learning to deal and cope with their
differences. Another pillar is learning to know that refers to how the educational
system provides people different ways to have access to information about the
knowledge and skills they need to develop so they can get a job in a specific field
of specialization. Learning to do is another pillar that was presented for students
to be trained and face the real work environment. To achieve this goal, students
need to study, and at the same time, they can practice and have direct exposure to
different work scenarios and gain the experience they need in the future.
Finally, the fourth pillar is learning to be. I think it is important for students to be
persistent in achieving their goals. They need to put into practice their knowledge
and be aware of their own skills to face a world with many changes and innovation
in technology, economy and education. This pillar should activate them to
develop all dimensions of the complete person.

The Importance of Learning to Do
By Kaslin Graciela Zúñiga Fajardo
Zúñiga, K. (2021). The Importance of Learning to Do. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National
Key words: education, leadership, life experiences, opportunities, self-sufficiency

The Importance of Learning to Do
By Kaslin Zúñiga Fajardo
In this brief journal entry, I would like to refer to one of the pillars of
education which Learning to do. Indeed, it is one of the most
important pillars in people’s lives. It goes beyond the knowledge
required and obtained from theoretical content. It should ideally be
more pragmatic and based on real-life and memorable experiences
of active learning. We all learn and change throughout life as we
mature and become wiser and may see things more clearly.
Learning to do also includes knowledge, personal experiences,
values, and competencies that lead us towards living life with dignity
as well as contributing to social human development and promoting
equal opportunities to all people regardless their origin, skin color,
economic status, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
The importance of learning to do is for us to expand our perspective
and disposition that we need to change for better and be able to
adapt and put our skills to competence. Finally, it is imperative that
we be aware of other people’s experiences, values, and learning
processes. It is time we break free from fears and insecurities to
build and transform our lives for better by creating a leadership
harmony environment around ourselves and others.

The Importance of Parents in Online Education
Diaz, N. (2021). The Importance of Parents in Online Education. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National
Key words: hybrid modality, tools, schedule, presence, monitoring

The Importance of Parents in Online Education (1)
The outbreak of the coronavirus changed our lives quite abruptly and
education has been experiencing drastic changes. It is now mediated
through information technologies where students have had to adapt to
a new methodology of study. Considering this new reality and learning
environment, the role of parents in education is essential since they
will help their children assume the commitment in their daily school
activities, and they will likewise be the ones who must supervise,
monitor and guide them in the use of digital tools. In addition, they
will become an essential support to carry out a proper time
management of the different websites and information to which their
children have access. That is, they will help them to be punctual in
their sessions and establish learning schedules in order to complete
their tasks and activities in the most efficient way possible.

The Importance of Parents in Online Education (2)
Parents should also be in charge of verifying that they are not
making use of social networks, social media or online games while
they connect to classes since this will completely impair their level
of concentration. Of course, the level of parental involvement will
depend on the child's age, their needs, and other contextual issues.
However, it is clear that parental presence and monitoring is
essential without becoming an “obsessive helicopter parent”. If
students take this form of learning and studying seriously and have
self-discipline, then parental presence will not be so constant. On
the other hand, it is considered that education of the future will be
hybrid modality with the purpose of creating a more
comprehensive learning environments and taking advantage of
digital tools. Therefore, the role of parents in education will be
even more relevant if they want to take advantage of all its
benefits.

Education as a Tool to Achieve Personal Development
Ramírez, M. (2021) Education as a Tool to Achieve Personal Development. TEFL Journal of
Key words: development, education, tools, knowledge, skills
“Education plays an important role in the development of
humanity worldwide. The most powerful and visionary people and
leaders see education as a tool to achieve important personal
development”. A proud Mother with her daughter.

Education as a Tool to Achieve Personal Development
Education plays an important role in the development of humanity worldwide.
The most powerful and visionary people and leaders see education as a tool to
achieve important personal development. Thanks to education, it is possible to
reduce problems such as poverty, the exclusion of people and ignorance,
among other things. However, education is a process that is develops little by
little, and this way, it is possible for individuals to improve their skills and obtain
new knowledge to achieve higher personal development with which they can
generate many opportunities to enter a work environment and subsequently
contribute to the development of a society or nation in general.
It is important to know that education should be a means not only for personal
development but also for building relationships between individuals and groups
of people with different opinions and cultural aspects that give rise to the
development of a society. We can say that an important objective of education
is to embrace all individuals without exception to develop all their talents or
skills while reminding them that they are capable of fulfilling all their personal
responsibilities to maintain adequate personal and social development.
However, this objective can become a long and difficult process to achieve, but
it will undoubtedly be a very important contribution to the search and
construction of a better world.

Strengthening Human Values and Global Commitment
Ortega, A. (2021) Strengthening Human Values and Global Commitment. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University
Key words: education, values, responsibility, inclusion, respect
“As a worldwide society, we must rise to the current challenge and
face it with discipline, order, acceptance, and embrace learning
accepting it as part of our lives where new knowledge, a strong sense
of solidarity, a high level of responsibility and mutual understanding
will lead us towards a brighter future as UNESCO envisions it. A proud daughter with her Mother.

Strengthening Human Values and Global Commitment (1)
The current globalization allows us to know, appreciate, and value diverse world
cultures, highlighting important numbers about the personal and social
education carried out. It should be noted that most countries and cultures
follow diverse educational systems but with the same purpose of advancing
through tiring times such as the ones we are experiencing worldwide with the
current pandemic of the coronavirus.
There are indicators that a country is democratic and has tolerance of
differences and mutual respect among citizens based on their level of education.
We have a nearby neighbor on the north of Costa Rica which is the government
of Nicaragua that holds quite different ideologies from those that we have in
Costa Rica. The latter may prove to be an example for antagonistic sides of
communist regime and democratic ways of living.
The policies of a country are greatly influenced by its economic and social
progress. For this reason, education should be an important pillar to strengthen
the culture and values of a country, maintaining its own traditions but with a
vision for the future. Likewise, it is important to know and be well-informed
about technologies and their necessary use in these globalized times and daily
electronic exchanges.
Photo retrieved from www.teletica.com

As a worldwide society, we must rise to the current challenge and face it with discipline,
order, acceptance, and embrace learning accepting it as part of our lives where new
knowledge, a strong sense of solidarity, a high level of responsibility and mutual
understanding will lead us towards a brighter future as UNESCO envisions it. Indeed, in
this process it is vital for countries to help one another by providing adequate advice and
follow-up on plans of continuous improvement. An important purpose from the policy
proposed by UNESCO should be a correct Education System with inclusion of all citizens,
immersed in the total respect of human rights, without racism or deferential treatment
because of different religions, gender differences, sexual orientation or even taste in
fashion or gastronomic orientation. All of this must begin from our homes reinforcing
important habits such as cleanliness, respect, self-discipline, solidarity, tolerance,
willingness to learn and innovate besides being upright and aware of the importance of
personal and community education and mutual collaboration.

Considering these conditions and self-commitment, we will have a
better place to live in harmony, political and social progress,
inheriting firm foundations of success for next generations. A
united citizenship becomes a powerful force with enormous
positive results, but this requires national and global commitment.
Such is in part is facilitated by social networks, television and
current technologies in its use for educational, informational and
training purposes. On the other hand, the population united for a
common good marks great and positive advances in all areas of
the human being raising awareness that all people are important
despite their existing differences.

Four Pillars of Education: Their Importance in Our Educational Process
Christian Nemesio Solis Matarrita
Solís, C. (2021). Four Pillars of Education: Their Importance in Our Educational Process. TEFL Journal of
Key words:
”Whatever may be the pillar or method that people use to
teach; all of them at the end give us a lot of benefits of human
experience”.
sustainability, relationship, ethnicity, effectiveness, ability

Four Pillars of Education: Their
Importance in Our Educational Process
Christian Nemesio Solís Matarrita
To start my analysis regarding the importance of the four pillars of
education as part of our educational process, I do believe that we
need to focus on the four pillars mentioned below as per a UNESCO
report because the way we act now may contribute to who we will
become in the future. Many of us know the mission of education is to
enable all of us to develop our talents and learn the best way possible
by unwrapping our potential. In the same way, I believe it is also
important to fully comprehend the essence of the four pillars of
education to facilitate the learning process. The first pillar is learning
to live together that gives us insight into making people aware of the
importance of working together towards mutual goals and do so in a
peaceful way. It is highly important in our educational system for
institutions, teachers, parents and students to work together and
reinforce values that benefit societies throughout their lives such as
non-violence, cooperation, acceptance of human diversity, and respect
towards all cultures.

Pillars Education and their Importance in
Our Educational Progress
Christian Nemesio Solís Matarrita.
The second pillar is learning to know which is a little bit complex to
understand. We may get confused with what we should know or not.
Learning to know refers to clarifying our values and beliefs, our
educative purposes, and developing our understanding about how
people learn and what they need to learn to know in order to survive
and succeed in given different situations or realities. We need to
acquire many tools for understanding the world and this pillar is one
of them. Learning to know help us to:
a. Acquire a taste for learning throughout life.
b. Understand sustainability concepts and issues.
c. Learn to learn.
In summary, learning to know is a very important tool that the
educational system gives us for learning how to learn, improve our
skills, and acquire knowledge independently .

Pillars Education Importance in our
Educational Progress
Christian Nemesio Solís Matarrita
The third pillar learning to do as Jacques Delors explains: “This type of learning
should, more generally, entail the acquisition of a competence that enables people
to deal with a variety of situations”. The latter means that we should be able to
participate fully and work effectively, ethnically and responsibly in many social
situations such as teamwork. Learning to do is often linked to occupational
success for example as in computer training. An aspect that we need to be clear
about is the creative application of knowledge. We must first learn how to learn
effectively, think critically, and analyze information that is useful in any given
society. The fourth pillar of education learning to be. This pillar focuses on the
total development of the human person in a holistic way. It includes our
emotional intelligence with aspects related moral, social, spiritual, and intellectual
dimensions.
Finally, in current times of great grief, fear and uncertainty due to the COVID-19
pandemic, we need to think of ways to reinvent ourselves to be able to cope with
this worldwide chaotic situation in a positive or better way, and these four pillars
may help us. Whatever may be the pillar method used to teach, all of them at the
end give us a lot of benefits of human experience.

Designing and Building Our Common
Future
By Amauri García Suárez
Key words: education, profession, dreams, studies, future
“Education and culture are the best ways to learn and to be a better person in the future.
Through knowledge we can find better opportunities to achieve our goals in life ”
García, A. (2021). Designing and Building Our Common Future. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University of

Searching for success and ongoing improvement in life requires self-
commitment, self-discipline and a positive attitude. Education is vital in this
process to become good professionals and successful people with values.
People think about their future, having a good life, a car, money among other
material possessions that will supposedly make their lives easier. However,
be prepared in a profession that we truly like. We should then be able to
achieve our dreams and goals.
It has been proven that studying is the best and healthiest way to maintain
balance in life. Nevertheless, there are many people worldwide who have
not had the chance to study or simply did not take advantage of it, and it has
been far more difficult for them to get a stable and good job. Likewise,
through education we can value culture as a pillar and foundation of
education. We need to know and understand our origins because then it will
be easier to gain knowledge.
Culture is very important in developing students’ insights into the future
because they can learn about the customs, traditions among other important
aspects to learn and progress.
Designing and building our common future
By Amauri García Suárez

By Juan David Gutiérrez Rodríguez
Gutiérrez, J. (2021). Combining Education and Experience to Succeed. TEFL Journal of
“Life is hard, but it will be your best teacher”.
Key words: opportunities, education, bravery, strength, knowledge

Learning throughout life is should be a condition and a characteristic in every single person. As a
matter of fact, we all need to have is a disposition to learn from the most basic to the most
complicated things in life so we can survive and move on through the stages of life.
As young people, it is essential that we prepare ourselves and think about our future with an
adequate education because this is the way to have opportunities that will help us improve our
quality of life. Likewise, as a local or global society, we may also face limitations or barriers in our
efforts to advance as fast as we would like. That is why it is also important to be brave, have
determination and fight against those people or institutions that do not allow us to get ahead in
life and make our dreams come true however simple or sophisticated they may be. Every day we
witness and hopefully learn lessons, or we have experienced unfavorable situations. Then, we
have to become strong and take those adverse experiences and prepare for a better future.
Education is the key for success, so if we combine education and experience, it will be the right
way towards a path of a good future as a person and as a professional.
By Juan David Gutiérrez Rodríguez

Learning Throughout Life: The Heartbeat of Society
By Alison Álvarez Ortiz
Álvarez, A. (2021) Digital Divide Among Students During the Pandemic. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Key words: factors, experience, qualities, understanding, society
“Training is a vital factor for humankind. It is related to figuring out how to live
properly by fostering comprehension of others and their numerous life experiences,
customs and profound qualities. On this premise, and a typical examination of the
dangers and difficulties of things to come would initiate individuals to carry out
normal ventures or to deal with the unavoidable contentions in an insightful and
tranquil manner to accomplish a complete and comprehensive society that will give
us an incredible advancement of our general public.”

The concept of learning is a factor that changes continuously
throughout life, and it goes beyond the traditional distinction
between initial and continuing education. For these reasons,
today's education should naturally respond to the challenges
of a rapidly changing world with emerging issues such as the
current COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic. The latter
situation forced us to experience virtual classes or remote
presence learning as we call it at UNA. Additionally, I have
come to learn and understand that this is a new idea that
focuses on the need for people to retrain themselves and
relearn to cope with new situations and to bring out their best
qualities and desire to progress regardless of difficulties.

As a matter of fact, teaching professionals, students, parents,
administrators, IT companies, systems engineers and online learning
platform administrators had to think of ways to continue bringing
education to everyone and in the best way possible with all its ups and
downs. Indeed, profound changes in traditional learning and teaching
have taken place. For example, the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica
(MEP) had in place a dual or hybrid modality of in-person learning and
remote presence learning. Some popular learning platforms such as
WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meets experienced
exponential growth. Finally, education whether in-person or remote must
be oriented towards mutual understanding, peaceful exchanges and
harmony among all members of the worldwide society.

Digital Divide Among Students During the Pandemic
By Dr. Gilberto Hernández Quirós
Hernández, G. (2021) Digital Divide Among Students During the Pandemic. TEFL Journal of Didactics. National University of Costa Rica, Nicoya Campus.
Key words: cyberspace, habitat, pandemic, co-existence, un/plugged
“Cyberspace is humanity’s new habitat of co-existence and progress”.

According to an article published by Semanario Universidad de Costa Rica on May 26 of
this year, they begin by contextualizing and reminding readers of over fourteen months of
pandemic that have gone by with increasingly aggravating consequences that have
impacted citizens throughout the country as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and
pandemic. They stated that there has been “government inaction” which has failed to
resolve the needs of the student population throughout the country”. As it seems, the
Legislative Power cannot seem to make much progress and approve projects which might
address the connectivity problems that thousands of students in the public sector are
facing daily and thus cause the education of our children and youth to lag behind and
shrink back.
In light of the above situation mentioned, there are countless of examples and stories from
all provinces of Costa Rica where students do not have a computer or, let alone, access to
the Internet and therefore cannot join online or distance learning aided by technology.
These students have been told to take classes remotely which, in many cases, is something
they had never heard of before. Oftentimes, the only person who may have a mobile
phone is a parent whose device has a prepaid contract and almost always does not have
service balance or signal to connect to a learning platform.
By Dr. Gilberto Hernández Quirós (1)

As a result of this situation, the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica (MEP) decided to send
students packages with self-study guidelines; however, parents feel that in 2020 their kids “did
not learn anything” since they were not used to such modality and parents were not able to
help them either because they felt unprepared to teach their children. Indeed, the situation
has gotten even worse with the overt lack of the necessary conditions, knowledge,
connectivity or the technological devices to be able to dare try online education. The future of
education for this generation is in jeopardy.
Technological devices and connectivity
Technological devices are vital in accessing online learning platforms plus a stable Internet
connection and, of course, know how to use the different learning platforms. The question is
whether our student population at all levels (and even teachers) possess the necessary
equipment to so.
Training and digital literacy
Training is a must when it comes to interacting with the screen, buttons, the keyboard and
popup messages to name a few. It does not make much sense to have the latest equipment
and technology if neither teachers nor students (and even parents) have been trained to utilize
devices wisely.
(2)

(3)
Cyberspace is indeed humanity’s new habitat of co-existence, and it has been
immensely evident during the COVID-19 pandemic where everyone has had to
unlearn and relearn to be able adapt and/or reinvent themselves and to rise to the
challenge regardless of how grieving the experience has been. Therefore, we ought
to resort to the wisdom and applicability of the four pillars of education as suggested
by UNESCO Education for All (EFA): Learning to know how to survive in today’s
cyberspace new habitat. Learning to do employing digital devices. Learning to live
together without forgetting the essence of the human being. Learning to be a
human being of good, solidarity and progress.
By large and far, our new habitat or new normal is cyberspace even though there are
millions of people who are unaware of it and may not have the slightest idea of what
a virtual class is. Perhaps they are better off being “unplugged” provided they do
not depend on connectivity to support themselves. For those of us who do and
must rely on it and be “plugged” at times, we need to seek government support to
ensure connectivity and DIGITAL LITERACY as a universal human right and ensure
equity and true education for all.

Thank You!
TEFL Journal of Didactics is published
bimonthly within UNA Nicoya social
media and the Chorotega University
Campus Community (Nicoya-Liberia) as
part of an ongoing written expression
project in the course of Didactics in
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
(TEFL) on remote presence learning and
teaching modality during the I Cycle of
2021 under teaching and supervision of
Professor Dr. Gilberto Hernández Quirós.
gilberto.hernandez.quiros@una.cr

Tefl journal of didactics

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