Educational Research in Venezuela: A multifactorial analysis of its decline and possible plan of action

Abstract

Educational research is a fundamental tool for understanding and transforming educational realities. In Venezuela, however, this field has experienced a significant decline. This paper presents a documentary analysis of the key factors behind this decline from the origins of educational research in the country up to 2015. The findings identify that a weak research culture, inefficient economic management despite substantial investment, and educational policies subject to political and oil revenue fluctuations have critically hindered the development and impact of educational research. Based on this diagnosis, an action plan is proposed, structured around the tools of financing, regulation, and support services (Levin, 2010), to strengthen research capacity and its relevance to national needs.

Keywords: educational research, Venezuela, research decline, science policy, educational financing, action plan.