The Influence of University Models on Humanistic Education in Accredited Universities of El Salvador

Abstract

The university is conceived as a community where knowledge is created and transmitted, and where life habits are formed. It is also a place where ideas are produced and knowledge is generated for the development of intellectual habits. To achieve this purpose, university models such as the Napoleonic (A), German (B), and English (C) models emerged during the nineteenth century.

Throughout history, universities have adopted some of these models and adapted them to their own contexts in order to provide quality higher education. Therefore, this study sought to identify the university models applied in the accredited universities of El Salvador.

Through the research process, theoretical and empirical realities were systematically observed, analyzed, and reflected upon using various documents related to the historical development of the university and the university models that have been implemented throughout history, leading to the current situation of accredited universities in El Salvador. The findings revealed that five universities possess one of the previously proposed models, while two do not have a defined model. This situation creates weaknesses in the education provided by universities, which is why some institutions are working on the development of a model that enables a comprehensive education for their students.