A Student-Centred Experience at a Brazilian Summer Course for Student Teachers

Abstract

Background: This paper refers to an empirical study held at an undergraduate summer course for student teachers at a public Brazilian University, aiming to promote teaching and learning processes based on a student-centred approach. Methods: The study was set up as a Pedagogical Action Research. The classes were initially planned based on interviews with teachers and students from the regular previous term and on open-answers questionnaires filled in by students enrolled at the summer course. At the end of the summer course, a new open-answer questionnaire was filled in by the students. Results: It was possible to perceive a positive change on students' postures, engagement and learning, and will become teachers. Conclusions: The findings indicate that student-centred practices are an interesting pedagogical approach for Teacher Education. Besides going further with the Pedagogical Action Research it is perceived the need to make similar studies at different Brazilian Higher Education settings.