Reflections of future natural science teachers on active methodologies

Abstract

The need to develop new skills and abilities for the contemporary era of knowledge reinforces the importance of changes in the organization of the teaching and learning process. Active methodologies (AMs) can be considered as allies in the construction of knowledge in different educational contexts, owing to the possibilities of integration and appreciation of plural knowledge. Therefore, teacher education is a central issue in these discussions. In this scenario, the aim of present article is to analyze the reflections on AMs of future Natural Sciences teachers studying in a government-owned university in Bahia. This qualitative study was developed by applying ten semi-structured interviews to students of the Interdisciplinary Teaching Degree in Natural Sciences and Technologies (LICNT), at the Federal University of Southern Bahia (UFSB), Paulo Freire campus, located in Teixeira de Freitas, in the far south of Bahia. Bardin’s Content Analysis approach was used for data analysis. Based on the findings, it can be argued that the students recognize AMs as innovative processes that can facilitate learning. In this dimension, they pointed out that learner centeredness is an important characteristic for people’s empowerment.