“LA MONA” GUANACASTECAN LEGEND: TEACHING STRATEGY TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING AND CULTURE COMPETENCE IN THE UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM

Abstract

The present times in which we live push us to constantly adopt new ways of taking actions, and our teaching approach is not the exception. These constant changes challenge educators to innovate learning approaches in the university classroom. Students are also demanding a learning process that enables them to participate in a long-lasting and enjoyable learning experience. For this reason, this article proposes the use of one Costa Rican legend: “La Mona” as a teaching resource to mediate a significant learning experience since this legend captivates by the story itself and motivates students to experience a process that stimulates their critical thinking, creativity, oral and written expression, at the same time that reinforces cultural heritage, values and identity.   When using learning activities based on “La Mona” legend, one fundamental idea comes clear: the need to educate critical, competitive tolerant  and integral citizens who can be responsible of preserving their own native culture.