Educational reforms in Latin America and their impact on the quality of higher education
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the educational reforms implemented in Latin America and their impact on the quality of higher education, considering the evolution of educational policies, quality assurance mechanisms, and the main challenges faced by universities across the region. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach through a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA guidelines. Scientific publications and specialized documents were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Redalyc, Dialnet, and Google Scholar according to previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings showed that educational reforms strengthened evaluation, accreditation, and institutional management systems, contributing to the consolidation of a culture of continuous improvement and a stronger orientation toward academic quality. However, persistent inequalities in access, student retention, funding, and institutional capacity were also identified, limiting the effectiveness of the implemented policies. It was concluded that the impact of educational reforms depended on the interaction between governance, innovation, quality assurance, and national contexts. Furthermore, the review demonstrated that future educational policies should prioritize equity, digital transformation, internationalization, and sustainability to strengthen the quality of higher education and respond effectively to the demands of the knowledge society