Impact of Interculturality in Higher Education in Ecuador: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The study analyzes the impact of interculturality in higher education in Ecuador, examining its incorporation into regulations, institutional policies, curricula, and pedagogical practices. Using a qualitative documentary approach with a descriptive-exploratory scope, twenty sources were reviewed, including regulations, public policies, and academic literature, organized into key analytical categories. The findings reveal that, although interculturality has strong normative support, its implementation in higher education institutions presents limitations, remaining in many cases at a declarative level rather than leading to concrete transformations in curricula and teaching practices. Additionally, weaknesses are identified in intercultural pedagogical methodologies and specialized teacher training. It is concluded that strengthening the articulation between regulations, curricula, and pedagogical practices is necessary to consolidate educational processes that are consistent with the country’s sociocultural diversity.