Impact of socioeconomic factors on the implementation of academic credits in the Social Work degree program, UNA

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the socioeconomic conditions of social work students at the National University of Asunción on the implementation of the National Academic Credit System (SNCA) during the year 2023. A descriptive-exploratory study was conducted with a non-experimental design and a qualitative approach. The sample consisted of thirty-two students in the second semester of the night shift of the Social Work program. Data was collected through a structured survey that explored the students' ability to dedicate time to autonomous academic work according to the requirements of the SNCA. Ninety-one per cent of the participants stated that they were unable to do academic work at home for twice the number of hours they spend in the classroom, as required by the 1:2 ratio established by CONES Resolution No. 280/2022. The main limiting factors identified were the need for paid work (34.4%), childcare responsibilities (28.1%), transportation time (6.3%) and family care responsibilities (6.3%). Seventy-five per cent of students reported that their social and economic conditions significantly affect their academic dedication. The socioeconomic conditions of social work students constitute a significant barrier to the effective implementation of the SNCA. The findings suggest the need to develop institutional strategies that consider the socioeconomic realities of students to ensure equitable implementation of the academic credit system.