Plan de fortalecimiento en ambientes bilingües rurales: Estudio de caso comparativo en el grado décimo de Sahagún-Córdoba y Roncesvalles-Tolima

Abstract

This study examines the existing gaps in the implementation of bilingualism in rural Colombian schools, where limitations in resources, teacher training, and curricular alignment persist despite national initiatives such as the National Bilingualism Program. The relevance of this research lies in highlighting the educational inequalities faced in rural contexts and proposing a concrete strategy to strengthen English learning in settings historically marginalized within national language policies. The study aimed to design an-English-strengthening plan for tenth-grade students in two rural institutions: I.E. Ranchería (Sahagún, Córdoba) and I.E. Técnica Agroindustrial La Voz de la Tierra (Roncesvalles, Tolima). A comparative case study with a qualitative approach was conducted using the following instruments: (a) a documentary review matrix, (b) participant direct observation, and (c) semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal English programs that lack contextualization, limited exposure to the language, insufficient materials, and scarce opportunities for continuous teacher training. The participant group—ten tenth-grade students, two English teachers, and two school administrators—expressed the need for proposals that integrate English with local experiences and enhance student motivation. Documentary analysis and observation led to the development of a plan consisting of four actions focused on curricular contextualization, pedagogical innovation, teacher training, and community participation, aiming to reduce urban–rural gaps and improve English learning. These aspects are further discussed in conclusions.