La obra educativa de Manuel Eduardo Cortés Cortés y su contribución a la educación superior: una sistematización

The present study aimed to assess the contribution of Dr. C. Manuel Eduardo Cortés Cortés to the teaching of Applied Mathematics in Cuban Higher Education, considering his influence on professional training and the scientific-methodological development in the province of Cienfuegos. The research was conducted from a qualitative approach, grounded in the dialectical-materialist method and employing the systematization of experiences as the main methodological strategy. This approach allowed for a critical reconstruction and analysis of Dr. Cortés’s professional trajectory between 1971 and 2000. Data collection was carried out through documentary analysis of publications and teaching materials, semi-structured interviews with colleagues and students, review of institutional archives, and indirect observation, prioritizing the authenticity and historical relevance of the sources. The findings indicate that Dr. Cortés’s educational work was characterized by a continuous integration of theory, practice, and research, facilitating the alignment of teaching with the productive and social needs of the region. His contributions in mathematical modeling, operations research, and applied computing enabled the resolution of real industrial problems and the incorporation of technological experiences into the university curriculum. The systematization revealed that his career not only produced formal knowledge but also constitutes a methodological and pedagogical reference for Higher Education, promoting critical reflection on teaching practice and the development of contextualized educational proposals. In this sense, the study underscores the importance of valuing significant teaching experiences as a source of innovation and continuous improvement.