Español Undécimo Problematización S17 M2

Main ideas and concepts

• The class introduces problematization as a key part of designing a research project/monograph.
• Problematization is explained as the process of:
  • Clearly identifying the problem/issue to be studied.
  • Defining it by analyzing the context and reviewing existing literature.
  • Formulating research-guiding questions.
• Problematization helps establish:
  • The relevance and importance of the study.
  • The need to investigate a topic.
  • Gaps in current knowledge.
  • The objectives and direction of the research.

The video then guides students on:

• Choosing the best research topic from previously proposed options.
• Writing the problem statement for the monograph following a structured format.

There is also an “active break” segment focused on spelling: students decide whether presented words are correctly spelled and identify where accents are missing or added.

Vocabulary capsule (English ↔ Spanish)

Five words are taught and reinforced for later use:

• Monograph (monograph)
• Central theme (central theme)
• Problematization (problematization)
• Justification (justification)
• Importance (importance)

Methodology: steps to choose a topic

Students finalize their research topic using these steps:

1. Reflect on interests
   • Choose the option that creates the most curiosity/enthusiasm.
2. Research and analyze the topics
   • Study books, articles, previous studies, and other relevant resources.
   • Check whether each topic is broad enough for a meaningful project.
   • Identify gaps that could hinder the monograph.
   • Evaluate importance based on how much information exists.
   • Note commonly discussed subtopics within each topic.
3. Assess relevance and importance
   • Decide which topic addresses a more significant problem and/or has greater impact on society or future study.
4. Consult other people
   • Ask teachers, family members, and friends for opinions and advice.
5. Choose the final topic
   • Select the topic with the three subtopics and the possible research question developed previously.

Methodology: steps to write the problem statement (for the monograph)

Students are given a clear structure (with an example using water pollution). Instructions include length and paragraph organization.

Overall requirements

• Length/extension
  • Approximately 150–300 words
  • About 3–4 paragraphs
  • Roughly 1–2 pages maximum
• Use connectors
  • Start each paragraph with connectors to ensure coherence between paragraphs.

Detailed steps

• 1) Keep the extension in mind
  • Target 150–300 words (3–4 paragraphs, 1–2 pages max).
• 2) Introduce the topic
  • Identify and present the topic you will investigate.
  • Provide a brief definition/overview or a specific aspect of a broader topic.
  • Example concept: Water pollution is described by naming harmful substances and where they enter water bodies, and the risks they create.
• 3) Contextualize the problem
  • Briefly describe the situation and why it matters in a specific space-time context.
  • Explain the relevance/importance of addressing this problem.
  • Example concept: industrial growth, urbanization, and agricultural practices are linked to increased pollution in recent decades.
• 4) Pose the central research question
  • Formulate a clear, specific question that reflects the problem.
  • The question should be:
    • Broad enough for deeper exploration
    • Specific enough to guide focus
  • Example question: “What are the main sources of water pollution and how do they affect water quality and the environment?”
• 5) Justify the importance of the problem question
  • Briefly explain why investigating the question is relevant/important.
  • Consider impact on the world/society/environment.
  • Example justification includes:
    • Water pollution as a significant current environmental issue
    • Identifying main sources and understanding their effects
    • Supporting future management and prevention strategies
    • Contributing to scientific knowledge and informed decision-making
• 6) Provide a general overview of the monograph
  • Conclude by indicating how the monograph will address the problem described.
  • Briefly describe:
    • Research objectives (tangentially, not copied verbatim)
    • Order/structure of the document (very short)
  • Example conclusion: investigate main sources (industrial/agricultural/urban), analyze effects on water quality/ecosystems, and discuss management/prevention strategies used.

Speakers / sources featured

• Andre (speaker; introduced as “I am Andre”)
• Spanish editor (speaker role mentioned as “I am… Spanish editor”)