CREATING A MODEL FOR INCLUSIVE AND
SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION. UNIVERSIDAD
HIPÓCRATES- UNIVERSIDAD COMPENSAR
PERSPECTIVE

CREANDO UN MODELO DE EDUCACIÓN INCLUSIVA Y

SOSTENIBLE. UNIVERSIDAD HIPÓCRATES
- UNIVERSIDAD
COMPENSAR PERSPECTIVA

Erick García
-Serna
Universidad Hipócrates

Edwin Yepes Gonzalez

Fundación Universitaria Compensar, Bogotá

Liliana Patricias Arias Jiménez

Fundación Universitaria Compensar, Bogotá

Franz Esteban Rodriguez Franky

Fundación Universitaria Compensar, Bogotá
pág. 4548
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v9i2.17237
Creating a Model for Inclusive and Sustainable Education.
Universidad
Hipócrates- Universidad Compensar perspective

Erick García
-Serna1
erickga29@gmail.com

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5178-9676

Universidad Hipócrates

Acapulco de Juárez, México

Edwin Yepes Gonzalez

egyepes@ucompensar.edu.co

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9282-8918

Fundación Universitaria Compensar, Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

Liliana Patricias Arias Jiménez

lpatriciaarias@ucompensar.edu.co

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1859-4671

Fundación Universitaria Compensar, Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

Franz Esteban Rodriguez Franky

ferodriguezf@ucompensar.edu.co

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5253-3015

Fundación Universitaria Compensar, Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

ABSTRACT

This research highlights the critical role of education in shaping well
-rounded individuals who can
respond to societal and environmental needs. At Universidad Hipócrates, education is approached

holistically, integrating academic, social, and ethical dime
nsions. The institution's model emphasizes
not only intellectual development but also extracurricular activities, environmental awareness, and

fostering a sense of responsibility towards the community. The study also examines COMPENSAR’s

vision, which advo
cates for breaking down cultural and societal barriers through education, promoting
inclusivity, and recognizing the importance of intercultural dialogue. By connecting, empowering, and

educating, this methodology aligns with the university’s vision of cre
ating competent individuals who
are prepared for the challenges of both the local and global environment. The conclusions emphasize

the need for educational models to adapt continuously, ensuring they align with evolving social and

environmental objectives
. The study calls for educational systems that cultivate intellectual, social, and
environmental competencies, fostering responsible citizens and professionals who contribute to global

sustainability. This research provides a foundation for further explora
tion into how educational
institutions can integrate these elements to develop transformative educational practices
.
Keywords
: education quality, holistic education, environmental responsibility
1
Autor principal
Correspondencia:
erickga29@gmail.com
pág. 4549
Creando un Modelo de Educación Inclusiva y Sostenible. Universidad
Hipócrates- Universidad Compensar perspectiva

RESUMEN

Esta investigación resalta el papel crucial de la educación en la formación de individuos íntegros,
capaces de responder a las necesidades sociales y ambientales. En la Universidad Hipócrates, la
educación se aborda de manera holística, integrando dimensiones académicas, sociales y éticas. El
modelo de la institución enfatiza no solo el desarrollo intelectual, sino también las actividades
extracurriculares, la conciencia ambiental y el fomento de un sentido de responsabilidad hacia la
comunidad. El estudio también examina la visión de COMPENSAR, que aboga por derribar barreras
culturales y sociales a través de la educación, promoviendo la inclusión y reconociendo la importancia
del diálogo intercultural. Al conectar, empoderar y educar, esta metodología se alinea con la visión de
la universidad de formar individuos competentes, preparados para afrontar los desafíos tanto del entorno
local como global. Las conclusiones destacan la necesidad de que los modelos educativos se adapten de
manera continua, asegurando su alineación con los objetivos sociales y ambientales en evolución. El
estudio hace un llamado a los sistemas educativos para que cultiven competencias intelectuales, sociales
y ambientales, fomentando ciudadanos y profesionales responsables que contribuyan a la sostenibilidad
global. Esta investigación proporciona una base para explorar cómo las instituciones educativas pueden
integrar estos elementos para desarrollar prácticas educativas transformadoras.

Palabras clave: calidad educativa, educación holística, responsabilidad ambiental

Artículo recibido 03 marzo 2025

Aceptado para publicación: 25 abril 2025
pág. 4550
INTRODUCTION

Education has long been viewed as a
transformative force in society, shaping not only individuals but
entire communities. Historically, educators such as John Dewey (1916) emphasized the role of education

as a social process, linking learning to active participation in society. Dewey argued
that schools are
miniature societies where students learn to become active, democratic citizens. Similarly, Paulo Freire

(1970) advocated for a critical pedagogy where education empowers individuals to challenge social

inequalities and become agents of cha
nge. These foundational ideas underscore the importance of
educational models that go beyond rote memorization, emphasizing instead the role of education in

fostering critical thinking, civic responsibility, and social engagement.

In recent decades, the concept of the "change agent" in education has gained prominence, reflecting the

idea that educators and students alike play a pivotal role in driving societal transformation. According

to Fullan (1993), change agents are individuals
within or outside an organization who effectively
introduce innovations, new perspectives, or reforms, often without formal authority. In education,

teachers are seen as key agents who not only impart knowledge but also inspire students to engage with

the
ir communities and effect positive change. Fullan (2011) later expanded on this idea, asserting that
educational institutions must foster environments where change is encouraged, and where students are

empowered to become active participants in the transfo
rmation of society.
This notion of education as a catalyst for societal change is closely aligned with the educational model

of Hipócrates University, which integrates teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement

as its core functions. The university's model is bu
ilt on a holistic, multidisciplinary, and inter-relational
framework, aiming to prepare students not just for professional success but for meaningful social

contributions. The model recognizes that knowledge is interconnected and that real
-world problems
r
equire a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach.
Furthermore, education in this context is not a neutral process but one that is deeply intertwined with

societal values, history, and culture. Chaves et al. (2021) highlight that education should aim to cultivate

individuals who are responsible, ethical, a
nd capable of responding to the needs of their time. This
requires a shift away from traditional models that focus solely on academic achievement, towards an

approach that considers the emotional, social, and ethical dimensions of learning. By fostering em
pathy,
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collaboration, and critical thinking, educational institutions can produce graduates who are not only

knowledgeable but also socially responsible citizens.

As Brown et al. (2021) argue,
teachers, as educational change agents, play a crucial role in implementing
these ideas within the classroom. They have the potential to influence the way students perceive their

role in society, encouraging them to think beyond individual success and cons
ider their broader impact.
This aligns with the mission of Hipócrates University, which emphasizes educating, connecting, and

empowering students to contribute positively to social well
-being. The university’s model aims to
develop individuals who are not
only experts in their fields but also active participants in the betterment
of their communities.

The role of education in societal transformation is also evident in the broader discourse on sustainable

development and social justice. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (United Nations,

s.f.) emphasizes quality education as a means to ac
hieve inclusive and equitable societies. Educational
institutions, therefore, have a responsibility to incorporate these values into their curricula, ensuring that

students are prepared to address issues such as inequality, environmental sustainability, an
d global
citizenship. Hipócrates University reflects this global agenda by integrating social responsibility and

community engagement into its educational model, thereby positioning education as a key driver of

social change.

From a developmental perspective, the process of becoming a change agent begins early in life. As Jean

Piaget (1952) emphasized, cognitive development occurs in stages, with children gradually acquiring

the ability to think critically and engage with their
surroundings. Early childhood education lays the
foundation for this development, helping children learn to navigate social relationships and understand

their role in the world. As students progress through the educational system, they continue to develop

these skills, culminating in higher education, where they are encouraged to apply their knowledge to

real
-world problems. In this sense, education serves as a continuous process of empowerment, guiding
individuals from infancy to adulthood in their journe
y to become active, informed members of society.
Thus, education is not only a pathway to personal success but a powerful tool for societal transformation.

From the earliest years of childhood to the postgraduate level, students are shaped by their educational

experiences, developing the skills, knowledg
e, and values needed to become agents of change. This is
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why education holds such a crucial role in society, as it has the potential to create individuals who are

equipped to address the challenges of their time and contribute meaningfully to the well
-being of their
communities.

The objective of this article is to provide a preliminary exploration of the literature surrounding the

importance of an educational model with a social focus. Hipócrates University serves as a case study,

with its educational model reflecting the institut
ion's core functions of teaching, research, innovation,
and community engagement, as declared in its mission. This exploration aims to highlight how

educational models that emphasize social responsibility can serve as strategies for fostering societal

well
-being, and how they can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of the 21st century.
METHODOLOGY

This
research adopts a structured, multi-phase methodological approach grounded in well-established
academic frameworks. Initially, the investigation follows a documentary research method, as defined

by Hernández Sampieri et al. (2014), which emphasizes the sys
tematic review of literature. This phase
focuses on consolidating the theoretical foundation around education and educational models, providing

an in
-depth exploration of their definitions, significance, and practical implications. The documentary
approach
allows for a comprehensive understanding of existing frameworks and contextualizes the
research within broader educational paradigms.

The second phase of the methodology involves the use of anecdotal records, a qualitative technique to

capture real
-life experiences and observations of individuals within a specific context. In this case, the
anecdotal experiences of staff members at Unive
rsidad Hipócrates will be documented to reflect the
perceived influence, impact, and metrics of the educational model applied in their institutional setting.

Authors such as Beaty (2016) and Levin and Nolan (2010) support anecdotal recording as a valuable

method for capturing authentic, qualitative insights that are significant for educational research. This

phase is designed to not only complement the documentary analysis but also bring personal, real
-world
insights into the broader academic discourse.

The third phase integrates an anecdotal record approach involving Joe Carvin, the founder and CEO of

OneWorld, whose methodology of "Educate, Connect, and Empower" provides a comparative
pág. 4553
framework for understanding the social impacts of educational models. OneWorld United Vision's

method emphasizes transformative learning experiences that begins with empowering students in order

to promote individual and societal empowerment; thereby offer
ing a rich contrast and additional
perspective to the findings gathered from Universidad Hipócrates.

This methodological approach ensures that the study is not solely a literature review but rather a dynamic

and multifaceted investigation that includes both theoretical insights and lived experiences. It employs

qualitative techniques, which, according to
Flick (2018), allow for an in-depth understanding of the
phenomena under study and are particularly useful in exploring complex social processes such as

education. Additionally, this approach encourages the generation of new research avenues, particularly

in areas related to the evaluation, follow
-up, and enhancement of educational models.
By combining documentary analysis with anecdotal evidence, the research aims to provide a holistic

view of educational models' importance and functionality, as well as contribute to ongoing discussions

on how such models can foster social change. This also
aligns with Stake's (1995) notion of qualitative
research as a method to understand and interpret lived experiences, ensuring that findings are grounded

in both theory and practice.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of this research show the
alignment with previous studies in the field of educational
transformation through the integration of technology and collaborative learning. The data gathered

reveal the importance about the need of emphasize student
-centered learning and technology integration,
because it has profound effects on both teaching and learning outcomes. As Çelik and Kasimoglu (2019)

emphasize, educational models that incorporate technological tools are not merely adjuncts to traditional

learning but are fundamental in creating
transformative and innovative educational experiences. This
shift requires both teachers and students to engage in active problem
-solving, reinforcement, and
feedback, ultimately enhancing the learning process. The success of these models depends not just
on
the technology itself but on how it is integrated into pedagogical strategies that promote engagement,

self
-directed learning, and collaboration.
A central finding of this study is that educational institutions must adapt their curricula and teaching
pág. 4554
methodologies to integrate these emerging models. Britton (2016) highlights the importance of

understanding social responsibility within the context of educational design, suggesting that any

curricular change or pedagogical innovation must take into accou
nt the broader social implications. For
example, teachers and schools must consider how they can design curricula that encourage students to

think critically about the world around them while equipping them with the necessary skills to engage

with contempo
rary challenges. This includes the responsibility of fostering not only cognitive skills but
also social and emotional development. In this way, design processes within education invite

participation, meaningful change, and a response to complex societal i
ssues, much like design in the
corporate or technological sectors.

Moreover, the research presents those collaborative approaches in educational settings, as advocated by

Ferreira Batista and Henrique Helal (2021), have the potential to generate significant social and cultural

capital within the school community. Collabor
ative learning, which involves shared problem-solving,
peer feedback, and collective decision
-making, is shown to enhance students' academic, emotional, and
social development. Ziegler (2017) supports this view, noting that collaboration in educational con
texts
helps to create a sense of shared responsibility and collective empowerment. This is particularly

important in light of the increasingly complex challenges facing modern societies, where social

innovation and community
-based approaches are essential for sustainable development. Schools,
therefore, must function not only as places of academic learning but as spaces where students develop

the skills and attitudes necessary for effective collaboration and social engagement.

Another key finding relates to the role of flipped classrooms in promoting deeper learning and fostering

a sense of agency among students. Traditional models of education, where teachers act as the primary

source of knowledge, are increasingly seen as insu
fficient in preparing students for the demands of the
21st century. Instead, flipped classrooms encourage students to take ownership of their learning by

engaging with materials outside of class, leaving in
-class time for active learning, such as discussions,
problem
-solving exercises, and collaborative projects (Ferreira Batista & Henrique Helal, 2021). This
model not only enhances student engagement but also allows for a more personalized learning

experience, as students can work at their own pace and rec
eive targeted feedback from teachers during
in
-class sessions.
pág. 4555
The role of technology in these models cannot be overstated. As Çelik and Kasimoglu (2019) suggest,

technology is not simply a tool to make learning more convenient but a transformative force that changes

the very nature of education. In flipped classrooms
, technology enables students to access instructional
materials, engage with interactive content, and collaborate with peers and teachers in ways that were not

possible in traditional settings. However, the success of this model depends on the effective in
tegration
of technology into pedagogical practices, with an emphasis on using technology to enhance, rather than

replace, traditional forms of learning.

Furthermore, the research highlights the need for schools to adopt a holistic approach to education that

addresses not only students' academic needs but also their emotional and social development. Britton's

(2016) discussion of social responsibility in de
sign processes is particularly relevant here, as it suggests
that schools must design their curricula and pedagogical practices in ways that promote social

engagement and responsibility. This aligns with the broader goals of education, which include prepar
ing
students to be active, informed, and responsible citizens who are capable of contributing to the well
-
being of their communities and society as a whole.

Social innovation, as described by Vercher et al. (2020) highlights how social innovation in rural areas

can bring about meaningful social change by involving community members in the development of

solutions to local challenges. In the context of educatio
n, social innovation can take the form of new
teaching methods, curricular designs, or collaborative learning models that engage students as active

participants in their own learning. By promoting social innovation in schools, educators can help

students d
evelop the skills and attitudes necessary to address the complex challenges facing their
communities and society at large.

Additionally, is important to mention the importance of fostering a collaborative culture within schools.

According to Ibrahim (2017), collective capabilities are essential for grassroots
-led development, which
parallels the need for collaborative learning
environments in schools. When students and teachers work
together towards shared goals, they build collective capabilities that extend beyond the classroom,

enabling them to contribute to the broader social good. Neumeier (2012) also emphasizes the import
ance
of social innovation in rural development, suggesting that schools in rural areas can play a critical role

in promoting social innovation by serving as hubs of learning and collaboration.
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Sepúlveda
-Parrini et al. (2024), along with contributions from other scholars (Cheng, 2017; Junblut et
al., 2015; Scharager Goldenberg, 2018), provide a multifaceted exploration of educational quality by

categorizing it in a way that highlights different d
imensions and interpretations. These categories help
to better understand the complexities of quality in education and offer a framework for evaluating

various educational systems. The authors discuss the following dimensions:

➢
Adjustment for Purpose: This dimension refers to the degree to which an educational institution
or program fulfills the goals and objectives it promises to deliver. Essentially, it measures how well the

actual outcomes align with the intended purposes or promises made by the institution, ensuring that what

is offered is accura
tely delivered. In this sense, quality becomes synonymous with reliability and the
fulfillment of expectations.

➢
Value for Money: This aspect bridges the relationship between the financial aspects of education
and the educational outcomes delivered. It involves the economic efficiency of educational provisions,

ensuring that the resources invested (monetary and other
wise) are justified by the outcomes, which can
be quantified in terms of student success, employability, or societal impact. It underscores the

importance of balancing costs with educational benefits, ensuring the system is sustainable and

beneficial.

➢
External Accountability and Audit Processes: Quality assurance in education often involves
external reviews, similar to those found in business and service sectors. This accountability is crucial

for maintaining high standards and public trust in education
al institutions. Quality assurance
mechanisms ensure that institutions not only meet internal goals but also comply with external

regulations and standards, aligning their practices with broader expectations of accountability.

➢
Quality as Excellence: In this context, quality is associated with achieving the highest standards
of academic excellence. It implies creating conditions that are challenging, selective, and designed to

foster exceptional achievement among students. Educat
ional programs that embody this idea often
emphasize rigorous academic standards and produce graduates who are highly competitive in their

respective fields.

➢
Quality as Exceptional: This interpretation focuses on distinctive attributes that set a program or
institution apart from others. It highlights unique features of educational environments, curricula, or