Professional Master's Program Research Articles

Il fumetto tra interprofessionalità e lavoro emozionale dei professionisti sanitari

Within the framework of advancing the competencies of healthcare professionals via educa-tional initiatives that incorporate innovative methodologies, this paper presents an exploration of utilizing comic strips in a professional master's program as a conduit for introspection on interprofessional dynamics and the enhancement of certain communicative competencies. This study engaged fourteen nurses, whose ages ranged from 35 to 55 years and who were em-ployed in hospital environments in Northern Italy, through their participation in the creation of comic strips and a concluding interview. The research was conducted over the period from November 2022 to May 2023. The examination of the findings, which included graphic repre-sentations and interview data, uncovered a daily professional existence marked by discord and paradoxes, yet unified under a shared professional designation.

Students’ Perspectives about the Influence of Mass Media on Their English Language Acquisition in Higher Education

This study collected students' viewpoints about the impact of mass media on their English language learning in higher education in Albania. Their perspectives hold significance for professors to enhance their future educational experience. The study used a questionnaire that was designed and distributed via Google Forms during the academic year in 2022 and 2023. Study participants were 56 students enrolled in the two study programs: a three-year bachelor’s study program in "English Language" and a two-year Professional master's study program for "English Teachers" within the Department of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Education and Philology at "Fan S. Noli" University, Korҫa, Albania. Most participants used mass media to improve their English language learning. Additionally, students who used various types of mass media had a more extensive vocabulary, were more fluent in English, had higher levels of motivation, and a more positive outlook about learning the English language. Mass media transformed students from dependent passive learners to active independent learners.

MODELLING OF THE PREPARATION OF MASTERS OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR ACTIVITIES IN THE INFORMATION AND DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

The article theoretically substantiates the model of training and formation of future teachers' of vocational education readiness to work in the information and educational environment based on the development of their digital competencies. Upon analyzing the types of activities of a future teacher with a master's degree that are specified in the professional standard and the field of application of their digital competencies, the research paper reveals their interconnection and presents the possibilities of developing these graduate competencies within the proposed educational and professional master's program. The program is elaborated upon studying the applied profile of the future teacher's digital competencies. The research methodology is based on the analysis of the digital competencies of the teacher and the logic of elaboration of the subject preparation of future masters for successful and effective professional activity in the context of information and digital activities. The content of the teacher’s basic digital competencies is analyzed in the study; a model of training and formation of a graduate's professional readiness to work in the information and digital environment based on the development of relevant competencies is proposed; the content of the educational and professional program "Computer Technologies in Management and Education" for the master's degree in the field of knowledge 01 Education/Pedagogy, specialty 015.39 Vocational Education (Digital Technologies) on the basis of the development of digital competencies of a future specialist within his/her professional training is suggested. The research demonstrates that it is necessary to include subjects aimed at developing digital competencies at a certain level in the content of their professional training in order to increase the effectiveness of teachers' activities in the modern conditions of informatization and digitalization of society and the formation of a virtual social and educational system.

Students - Teachers of the Future, Citizenship, and Inclusive Rights in Education

The demand of equipping students with knowledge, skills, expression, attitudes, and values that aim to prepare them as future teachers in the exercise and protection of rights and responsibilities in society, In Albanian universities, is increasing. The study was conducted with 90 students of the Professional Master's program "Elementary Education" and the Bachelor's program "Pre-School Education" at the Faculty of Education, Aleksandër Moisiu University in Durrës. The aim of this study is to assess the students' evaluation of programs that contribute to their civic development and prepare them for roles and responsibilities in society as teachers who will work in inclusive education and training of younger generations. The study methodology is based on reviewing the literature in the field, analysing the questionnaire responses from the students, and processing the data collected from the focus group conducted with the students. The study revealed that the university program places importance on the civic education and formation of students through the courses offered in this field. It was evident that teaching has improved in the level of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the students. The establishment of a fair balance between theoretical information and practical activities is considered important. The study confirmed that the role of the teacher is crucial in the civic education and formation of students. The significance of this study lies in increasing students' confidence in their roles and responsibilities as future teachers, strengthening their role in safeguarding and respecting the rights of children, particularly those with disabilities, and promoting freedom of speech and respect for human dignity. The inclusion of civic education and human rights courses in all programs of the Faculty of Education, which prepares teachers, was seen as a necessity by all students. This is because, after completing this faculty, they will be in contact with students, which will enable the enhancement of students' benefits and their preparation as worthy citizens of a democratic society.
 
 Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 June 2023 / Published: 23 July 2023

Do your friends stress you out? A field study of the spread of stress through a community network.

In this study, we seek to understand how stress changes in dynamic social systems. Where prior work on the interpersonal transmission of stress focused on pairs of individuals and small groups, we adopt a network perspective to investigate how the distribution of stress in an individual's social environment influences their stress appraisal process. We conducted a 6-month longitudinal study of 315 early to midcareer adults in professional master's programs as they encountered the stress of everyday academic life. We follow the dynamics of the participants' networks and their concomitant stress at four key time points during those 6 months. We find that the perceived stress of one's social contacts affects their experience of stress in this setting. Yet, not everyone is equally susceptible to this social influence. In particular, we find that social influence is substantially amplified under conditions of relative consensus among one's social contacts. Also, a low level of neuroticism, a high level of conscientiousness, and a high level of internal control orientation help buffer the transmission of stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Adaptation and Initial Validation of the Interpersonal Behaviors Questionnaire-Self with Spanish Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers.

Building upon Self-Determination Theory, the objective of this research was to gather validity and reliability evidence on the use of the Interpersonal Behaviors Questionnaire (IBQ-Self) in the Spanish physical education (PE) teacher training context. Participants were 419 pre-service PE teachers (48.45% women; Mage = 26.97; SD = 6.49) from eight public universities; all were enrolled in the Professional Master's program in Education. We found psychometric support for a 24-item six-factor correlated model of the IBQ-Self that was invariant across gender. There was also evidence for discriminant validity and reliability of this instrument. Criterion validity was provided by positive relationships found between need satisfaction and need-supportive behaviors, and between need frustration and need-thwarting behaviors. Overall, the IBQ-Self is a valid and reliable measure of Spanish pre-service PE teachers' perceptions of their own need-supportive and need-thwarting behaviors.

The elementary school and teachers work qualification: challenges and perspectives of the professional master's program in Education

RESUMO Neste artigo, apresentamos um debate sobre a formação continuada de professores na modalidade mestrado profissional e, para tanto, delineamos a seguinte questão: há mesmo o necessário clamor de conversa implicada entre a escola básica e a qualificação do trabalho de professores? Para respondê-la, utilizamos informações advindas de um programa de pós-graduação profissional em Educação. As reflexões podem ajudar a entender esse contexto formativo no que diz respeito aos desafios e às perspectivas que permeiam a qualificação do trabalho docente, o desenvolvimento profissional, as demandas de pesquisas desenvolvidas pelos professores da educação básica e a parceria entre universidade e escola.

Racial Microaggressions During Clinical Education Experiences of Professional Master's Athletic Training Students

Context Racial microaggressions can be comments or actions that are often unconsciously or unintentionally directed toward members of marginalized groups. Athletic trainers have been found to be prone to organizational conflict and harassment; however, no studies have investigated whether racial microaggressions occur during athletic training student (ATS) clinical education experiences. Objective To examine the existence of racial microaggressions directed toward ATSs during clinical education, specifically identifying the resources that existed for students who perceived they were encountering racial microaggressions. Design Qualitative study. Setting Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited professional master's programs. Patients or Other Participants One hundred fifteen second-year master's students (80 female, 33 male, 1 nonbinary/third gender, 1 wished to not disclose; age = 23.67 ± 3.41 years). Data Collection and Analysis We created a questionnaire based on the purpose of the study and the current literature that we validated via peer and expert review before initiation of the study. We used peer review and multiple-analyst triangulation to provide credibility and analyzed the data with a phenomenological qualitative approach. Results Three main themes emerged: (1) participants experienced forms of microaggression including, but not limited to, microassaults, microinsults, microinvalidations, and stereotypes; (2) participants experienced a lack of action after racial microaggressions; and (3) participants experienced a period of career reconsideration during which they questioned entering the profession because of feeling uncomfortable and discriminated against. Conclusions To reduce the number of racial microaggressions that students face, athletic training education program administrators and preceptors should be educated on racial microaggressions, validate athletic training student emotions, encourage brave spaces where students can openly communicate about what is transpiring at clinical sites, safely identify aggressors, and remove students from harmful environments.

The Experiences of Professional Master's Athletic Training Students with Sexual Harassment During Clinical Education

Context Sexual harassment is a concern in health care professions and on college campuses nationwide. Athletic trainers are health care professionals who work in close conjunction with athletes, coaches, officials, and other stakeholders, predisposing them to potential sexual harassment occurrences. Objective To examine the experiences of sexual harassment of professional master's ATSs during their clinical education experiences. Design Mixed-method study. Setting Online questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants Eighty-seven athletic training students (68 women, 19 males; age = 23.40 ± 1.85 years; 44 first-year students, 43 second-year students) currently enrolled in Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)–accredited professional master's athletic training programs. Data Collection and Analysis We sent an online questionnaire to CAATE-accredited professional master's athletic training program directors, along with a recruitment email encouraging program directors to send the questionnaire to students currently enrolled in the programs they lead. We validated the questionnaire using expert and peer review. We used a general inductive approach to analyze the results and used multi-analyst triangulation and peer review to ensure credibility. Results Our study revealed that 28.70% of participants reported they felt as though they were subjected to sexual harassment behaviors during clinical education. Themes reported through recipients' accounts of sexual harassment defined a timeline that started when sexual harassment most commonly manifested through inappropriate comments, followed by ATSs having to adjust after incidents instead of the perpetrators, and finally ended with insufficient resolution in which victims felt the situations should have been handled differently. Conclusions Sexual harassment affects some professional master's ATSs in clinical education settings. Athletic training program administrators should educate students on clearly defined policies and procedures that will lead to resolution when sexual harassment occurs during athletic training clinical education.

TEORIAS DA APRENDIZAGEM E DA EDUCAÇÃO COMO REFERENCIAIS EM PRÁTICAS DE ENSINO: AUSUBEL E LIPMAN

Os Mestrados Profissionais - especialmente aqueles na área de Ensino e, em particular, o Mestrado Nacional Profissional em Ensino de Física (MNPEF) - têm feito, em suas dissertações, amplo uso de referenciais teóricos que possam dar consistência aos produtos educacionais que são confeccionados como exigência para a conclusão do curso. Entretanto, de modo geral, esses referenciais teóricos raramente são considerados de maneira estrita nos próprios trabalhos, sendo, algumas vezes, até mesmo impossível divisá-los nas metodologias e nas sequências didáticas que lhes dão forma. Esse fenômeno pode estar associado ao fato de que muitos desses referenciais teóricos são calcados em Teorias de Aprendizagem, desenvolvidas no âmbito da Psicologia da Educação, estando, assim, estruturalmente muito amplos e distantes da prática de sala de aula, que são o foco dos produtos educacionais. Neste trabalho, revisamos essa questão, propondo que qualquer Teoria de Aprendizagem deve ser acompanhada de uma Teoria da Educação, de modo a fazer as necessárias conexões com a sala de aula. Como estudo de caso, é apresentada uma relação entre uma Teoria de Aprendizagem, desenvolvida por David Ausubel, e uma Teoria da Educação, desenvolvida por Mathew Lipman, mostrando suas interconexões e como uma articulação entre ambas pode gerar um referencial teórico muito mais robusto e concretizável.

Career Aspirations of Recent Graduates From Professional Master's-Level Athletic Training Programs

Context Transition to clinical practice is a topic receiving substantial attention. Many reports have focused on the educational program's role and have stopped short of identifying the impact of the initial year of employment on desire to persist and future career goals. Objective To examine the career aspirations of athletic trainers in their first year of employment who graduated from professional master's programs. Design Qualitative. Setting Nine professional master's athletic training programs, variety of employment settings. Patients or Other Participants Seven men and 7 women (age = 25.6 ± 3.7 years). Data Collection and Analysis A general inductive approach was used to analyze data from individual interviews conducted 6 and 12 months into the first year of clinical practice. Multiple-analyst triangulation and peer review ensured credibility. Results Graduates of professional master's programs in athletic training plan to stay in the profession. However, newly credentialed athletic trainers do not plan to remain with their initial employer beyond 2 years; 11 of 14 participants (79%) stated their first job was transitional. The first year of employment did not change participants' perceptions, as the graduates knew upon taking their first job that it would be temporary. Though participants planned to change jobs, most (79%) planned to continue to engage in clinical practice as athletic trainers. Conclusions Understanding newly credentialed athletic trainers' perceptions of the impact of the first year of employment can provide educators and employers important insight to assist in retention and persistence of young professionals. Graduates regard their first years of employment as impermanent. However, the majority do not wish to leave clinical practice. Participants viewed their first job as a way to gain valuable experience that did not dissuade them from continuing in the field. Recent graduates demonstrated ambitions to experience different work settings and higher-level positions with greater responsibilities.

Clinical Education Coordinators' Selection and Deselection Criteria of Clinical Education Experiences

Context Athletic training students have identified clinical education as the most important aspect of their education when transitioning to practice. However, athletic training students have been frustrated with a lack of engagement, mentorship, and diversity within their clinical education experiences. As such, the selection and deselection of clinical sites is critical to creating effective learning experiences. Objective To explore how clinical education coordinators (CECs) select and deselect clinical education experiences (sites and preceptors) for clinical integration and immersion. Design Consensual qualitative research. Setting Individual teleconference interviews. Patients or Other Participants Thirteen CECs (age = 42 ± 8 years, experience in current role = 8 ± 8 years) from accredited professional master's programs who were in their position for at least 1 year and had at least 1 immersive rotation. Data Collection and Analysis All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. A 3-person data analysis team used a multiphase process to identify the emerging domains and categories. Trustworthiness was established through member checking, multiple researcher triangulation, and auditing. Results Two themes emerged from the participant responses: accreditation compliance and strategic choices. We found participants expressed the theme of accreditation compliance as a major facilitator when selecting or deselecting clinical education placements. Strategic choices, such as student aspirations and focus on the quantity over the quality, were used by CECs to select clinical education placements which develop student autonomy and provide diverse experiences. However, the CECs engaged in convenient preceptor selection based on geographical location and previous relationships. Conclusion(s) Our findings suggest CECs leverage convenient clinical education opportunities that comply with accreditation expectations. CECs should be strategically selecting clinical education opportunities that move beyond accreditation minimum standards and focus on high-quality experiential learning, which leads to autonomous practice and embraces the diversity of the profession.

Professional Master's Athletic Training Students' Career Influences Part II: Short-Term and Long-Term Career Intentions

Context As athletic training education continues to evolve to a professional master's degree, understanding the career intentions of students preparing to graduate from professional master's programs is essential. Objective To examine the career intentions of second-year professional master's athletic training students and identify the factors that influence their intentions. Design Convergent mixed methods. Setting Online surveys and individual phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants A total of 80 second-year professional master's students (63 women, 13 men, 4 no response, age = 24.63 ± 2.29 years) who were enrolled in the final semester of their program in spring 2019 participated in the online survey. Ten survey respondents participated in follow-up phone interviews. Data Collection and Analysis An online survey was designed and administered to answer the research questions. Semistructured phone interviews were conducted as a follow-up to the survey to gain further insight into the research questions. The data from the survey and interviews were woven together and merged to provide a comprehensive display of results. Triangulation, member checks, memos, and peer debriefing were completed for trustworthiness. Results Two higher-order themes emerged from the data: career progression and factors influencing career intentions. We identified 3 lower-order themes for career progression: short-term career plans, concerns over lack of experience, and long-term career plans. Two lower-order themes were identified for factors influencing career intentions: clinical experience and mentorship. Conclusions Second-year professional master's athletic training students have short-term and long-term career plans. Their career intentions were influenced by past clinical experiences and the mentorship received from their clinical preceptors and faculty members during their professional education. Unfortunately, many students were having difficulty obtaining positions after graduation due to a lack of professional experience. As a result, some turned to internship or residency positions to gain experience.

Athletic Training Student Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Context Athletic training students (ATSs) have reported increased levels of stress due to balancing a myriad of responsibilities, both as students and with personal life roles. Coping mechanisms to manage their stress are multifactorial. The COVID-19 pandemic has added additional stressors not yet fully understood. Objective Although some understanding of stress and coping of ATSs exists, little is known about how they coped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, our purpose was to better understand the coping response to stress for ATSs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Phenomenological qualitative study. Setting Web-based (Zoom) interviews. Patients or Other Participants Fourteen Professional Master of Athletic Training students (9 female, 5 male) from 14 colleges and universities completed semistructured Web-based interviews. On average, the participants were 26 ± 4 years old. Data Collection and Analysis All interviews were recorded via the Zoom platform and then transcribed by Otter. Basic member checks to ensure accuracy of the transcription process were completed with all participants before analyzing the data. Peer review was also completed. Results Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) the importance of flexibility and adaptability, (2) the need for empathy toward others and self, and (3) various stress management strategies. All themes transcended stress reduction, and each had potential implications for their future roles as athletic trainers. Conclusions Students enrolled in professional master's programs experienced increased stress, not only due to COVID-19 but in general due to the demands of the role of students in health care professional programs. Learning to be effective time and stress managers will be important for professional longevity as other stressful events are likely.

A National Study on the Relationship Between Programmatic Factors and Athletic Training Education Board of Certification Pass Rates

Context In athletic training education, the first-time Board of Certification (BOC) pass rate is a significant marker of a program's success, and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and requires programs to maintain a first-time 3-year aggregate BOC examination pass rate over 70% (Standard 11). Published research on BOC pass rates on professional master's (PM) programs is limited. Therefore, it is essential to identify modifiable factors that have a relationship with first-time pass rates. Objective The aim of this study aim was to investigate the relationships between programmatic factors and the first-time BOC pass rate for PM athletic training students while controlling for student and institutional factors. This study is necessary to fill the literature gap and identify PM programmatic factors that may be significant in predicting student success in PM athletic training programs. Design Cross-section study. Setting A multiple regression analysis of program-level data that captured student, programmatic, and institutional factors obtained from the deidentified CAATE data was conducted on 77 PM athletic training programs in the 2018–2019 reporting year. Main Outcome Measure(s) Independent variables included in the study were institutional type, admissions selectivity, cohort diversity, clinical immersion hours per week, students per core faculty member, students per lab faculty member, percent doctoral faculty, and total spending on professional development. The dependent variable was the programmatic 1-year, first-time BOC pass rate. Results A significant positive relationship was found between admissions selectivity, clinical immersion hours per week, percentage of doctoral faculty, and total amount spent on professional development and 1-year, first-time BOC program pass rates. These results suggest that increased programmatic investments into development of faculty and the evaluation of the clinical immersive experience may help programs increase their first-time BOC pass rate.

Optimism, But Not Locus of Control, Moderates Burnout in Professional Master's Athletic Training Students

Context Burnout is a common concern in the field of athletic training that may affect athletic training students. They may experience burnout because of stressors related to their clinical education responsibilities and course load. Various buffers have been suggested to reduce burnout in other health care settings; however, there is a limited body of research examining the effect of locus of control and optimism as buffers against burnout in athletic training populations. Objective To investigate whether a perceived internal locus of control and/or optimism can provide a buffer against burnout in athletic training students. Design and Setting A cross-sectional observational research design via Qualtrics survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 48 professional master's athletic training students enrolled in Commission on Accrediting Athletic Training Education–accredited programs. Data Collection and Analysis Participants were sent a survey link that included demographic questions, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Life Orientation Test–Revised, and the Rotter Internal/External Locus of Control Scale. Three multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships of personal burnout, work-related burnout, and client-related burnout with optimism and locus of control. A Pearson correlation was conducted on the significant findings to determine the strength of relationship among variables. Main Outcome Measure(s) Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Life Orientation Test–Revised, Rotter Internal/External Locus of Control Scale. Results Significant relationships were identified between optimism and personal burnout (t = −3.30, P = .002) and between optimism and work-related burnout. (t = −2.48, P = .02). No significant relationships were identified between locus of control and any of the burnout-related variables (P > .05). Conclusion Optimism could be an effective buffer against student burnout in professional master's athletic training programs. Athletic training programs should implement various strategies to promote student optimism including proper social support strategies, time management, and stress management to help reduce the onset of burnout in students.

Recruiting and Retaining Racially Minoritized Students into Professional Postbaccalaureate Athletic Training Programs

Context Racially diverse individuals are underrepresented in the field of athletic training. Previous research identified multiple factors that may contribute to diversity concerns including a lack of access to higher education, underrepresentation, financial instability, lack of programming, and mentoring for minoritized students through matriculation in health care education programs. Objective To identify current recruitment and retention strategies aimed at racially minoritized students in athletic training programs. Design Consensual qualitative research. Setting Individual interviews. Patients or Other Participants A total of 14 professional athletic training program directors (age = 47 ± 7 years; years credentialed = 25 ± 7 years; years in role = 13 ± 7 years). Main Outcome Measures This qualitative study used consensual qualitative research methodology with the incorporation of multianalyst triangulation and member checking to establish trustworthiness. The interview protocol consisted of questions regarding current recruitment and retention strategies used by directors of professional master's programs. Results Four domains emerged from the study: (1) benefits of diversity, (2) marketing, (3) individualized support, and (4) enrollment management strategies. Participants expressed that diversity could lead to a more inclusive and positive learning environment and could improve patient care through establishing race concordance on the program Web site, social media, and other print materials. Program directors demonstrated a lack of awareness relative to available professional resources and the difference between creating equal versus equitable resources. Participants demonstrated variability in their awareness of enrollment management strategies, specific to admissions resources and professional resources. Conclusions Program directors appreciate the benefits of racial diversity and are actively engaged in marketing strategies to recruit minoritized students. They are also working to retain minoritized students but may be providing equal, rather than equitable, resources. Professional athletic training programs must continue to develop and promote effective strategies for admissions, support matriculation, and increase identifiable and equitable resources to better serve minoritized students.

The Role Mentoring Plays in the Transition to Practice of Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers.

Mentoring has been identified as an important method of supporting newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) during their transition to practice. Gaining a better understanding of this relationship could provide valuable insights that may assist employers and professional programs in developing a plan to better facilitate the transition. To examine which aspects of the mentoring relationship provided the most benefit during the transition to practice of newly certified ATs. Qualitative study. Individual phone interviews. A total of 13 ATs who graduated from a professional master's program, were certified from February through July 2016, and obtained employment from July through August 2016 participated in this study (6 women, 7 men; age = 26 ± 3 years; work settings included professional sports, college, secondary and middle school, and clinic). Data saturation guided the number of participants. Phone interviews using a semistructured interview guide were conducted at 3, 8, and 12 months of work experience. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Credibility was established via investigator triangulation, peer debriefing, and member checks. Participants recognized the mentoring relationship as a foundational aspect of the transition to practice. Mentors should be available by phone, email, or text to answer questions, provide feedback, or discuss ideas. Respondents wanted honest feedback, even when that feedback was constructively critical. Feedback was sought regarding topics such as patient care, communication, and networking. Participants needed reassurance and support from their mentors to help validate and improve their self-confidence. Newly credentialed ATs should seek mentors who will be available to communicate in various ways and will provide regular and constructive feedback. Future researchers should investigate how mentoring relationships influence other aspects of the transition to practice, such as patient care, overall job performance, turnover, and satisfaction.

Por entre certezas e incertezas

O memorial acadêmico é uma ferramenta comumente utilizada para a conclusão de cursos de pós-graduação lato-sensu e processos de seleção para programas de mestrado e doutorado, para citar alguns exemplos. Caracterizando-se por uma retomada dos dados do Curriculum Vitae do sujeito que o escreve, o Memorial vai além da objetividade desses registros e traz informações mais subjetivas, permitindo análises mais qualitativas da vida desse profissional ou estudante. É nessa perspectiva que escrevo este memorial, perpassando pela minha juventude e início da fase adulta, evidenciando uma fase que se mostrou crucial para a efetiva construção de quem sou, como sou e onde quero chegar. Num exercício de autoconhecimento e retomada constante do passado, este registro servirá, entre outras finalidades, para a delimitação dos propósitos que me motivam no programa de Mestrado Profissional em Educação Profissional e Tecnológica – ProfEPT.

Particularidades de um instituto federal e de seus professores

O presente artigo foi elaborado a partir de dados preliminares de uma das pesquisas desenvolvidas no âmbito do Grupo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão Docência, Escola e Formação de Professores e junto ao Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Políticas Públicas e Gestão Educacional da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Como objetivo buscou-se evidenciar as principais características do contexto de um instituto federal de educação, ciência e tecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul e dos professores ali inseridos. A metodologia utilizada teve abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se de observação, análise documental e diário de bordo. A partir das investigações verificou-se especificidades gerais dos institutos federais e particularidades da atuação docente nesse contexto.Palavras-chave: institutos federais de educação; professores; trabalho docente.