Ser professor no contexto do Século XXI: representações sociais de professores

Abstract

This research entitled "Being a teacher in the twenty-first century context: teachers social representations" is linked in the search line 2 - Pedagogical Practical Training and Professional Teaching, the masters program in education UNOESTE of Presidente Prudente, SP. Aimed to identify the social representations of teachers about what is to be a teacher in the context of the twenty-first century and identify the main difficulties, challenges and concerns of these professionals. The research followed the qualitative approach and specific features of the case study suggested by Robert Yin. Due to the impact caused by the social changes and new information technologies to students performance today is very different from that for which the school was initially thought. The school structure inherited from modernity does not fit in our postmodern reality. The subjects of this study were 12 effective teachers Childhood Education and Elementary 1st to the 5th year in the municipal area of a small city of Presidente Prudente. The data collected for analysis were based and relied on content analysis proposed by Bardin. The survey results point to need for implementation of curricula for initial and continuing training including practical sessions and discussions related to current challenges, since the reality shock has awakened the feeling of unpreparedness in the face of new challenges. Training programs for teachers, teaching activities and the educational system must fit the context of the new social order. The attempts for a reform have failed increasing the sense of crisis among teachers and contributing to the "teacher malaise." It is an urgent need for investment in teacher professionalism and development and increased social support for teachers to combat this social ill, which is the teacher malaise and improve the quality of education.