Histórias de vida de professoras e ensino de biologia no Brasil : formação, saberes e práticas docentes

Abstract

This study aimed to relate the life stories of teachers of biology, his professional knowledge and their teaching practices to the different political and educational contexts faced by this area of knowledge in the period 1960 to 2010. The research was based on the biographical narrative, using life history as a methodological resource in the field of qualitative educational research. The nine contributors were professors of biology, in post-graduate master's and / or PhD, acting or acted professionally in different geographical regions of the country. Some are graduated in Natural History; other in Biological Sciences - full or short form degree, considering the socio-political contexts of the time. The curriculum of training of some teachers reveal the model of technical rationality. The choice expressed by the area of biology is so diverse: from the love of nature, to the influence of some people, like parents and teachers, for example. Since the choice of teaching happened for reasons ranging from obtaining financial resources for realization of a dream. The continuing education of the study participants occurred in post-graduation lato or sensu stricto in in-service training courses or through partnerships between institutions of higher education and basic education schools. Most of these acts, or has served in teaching in the area of higher education with teacher training. Entry into the teaching profession has caused feelings of loneliness and insecurity. With regard to the curriculum of the discipline, the average level of basic education, we identified different positions, from those who underwent uncritically to its rules, even those who always questioned. Some teachers indicated the influence of the American project Biological Science Curriculum Study, others indicated the textbook as the main feature of the curriculum. Demonstrations about the end of his career teaching varied. Recorded feelings of relief, mainly to free themselves of bureaucracy; considerations of this moment as the climax of his career, when they are recognized for their work, as well as the fact that a lot of time steeped in emotion. Thus, the records of our interviewees, considered to be a biology professor in Brazil, the area has its own characteristics, it allows the construction of knowledge and specific practices, but above all, is a professional activity exercised by human beings who are unique and that permeate this profession of personal and professional aspects which are only revealed from their stories and life contexts.