Conceptions of Environment in a Continuing Education Course for Science Teachers in Brazil

Overview & Synopsis

Studies focusing on environmental education and continuing education of science teachers play an important role in the science education area. This research analyzed conceptions of environment in a continuing education course for science teachers developed at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The analysis of the material was made using a qualitative approach and content analysis methodology. The conceptions of environment were analyzed and characterized by the use of categories previously defined and selected from the literature. Although different conceptions were identified, the conception of environment as a resource prevailed, demonstrating a serious limitation of the course in the environmental education of the participating science teachers. As a result of the education process, a naive and limited view on environment by teachers was observed. The results point to the need to reformulate continuing education courses in order to favor a more critical environmental education. (Contains 5 tables.)