Desarrollo del Pensamiento Crítico Mediante el Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos en el Nivel Inicial

The development of critical thinking constitutes a fundamental component of the educational process, as it enables problem identification, the exploration of alternative solutions, contributes to the holistic development of the individual, and strengthens essential discernment skills required for both personal and social contexts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a learning methodology designed to enhance learning outcomes while strengthening critical thinking skills in early childhood education students. This research emerges from direct classroom observation in early childhood education settings, where it was identified that teachers exhibit limitations in the systematic implementation of instructional strategies aimed at promoting meaningful learning and, consequently, the development of critical thinking skills among students at the initial level. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design. Data collection methods include a systematic literature review, direct classroom observation, and a survey administered to teachers to examine their perceptions of two key variables: critical thinking development and project-based learning (PBL). One of the principal outcomes of this study is the proposal of methodological strategies to foster critical thinking through the implementation of project-based learning.