Perfil profissional e os desafios de ensinar ciências do 6º ao 9º ano do ensino fundamental apresentados por professores da região agreste de Sergipe

Abstract

This study addresses the reality of teachers who teach Natural Sciences in grades 6 to 9 of elementary school in the Agreste region of Sergipe, with a focus on the Regional Education Directorate (DRE 03). The research employs a qualitative methodology, grounded in the principles of Flick (2009) and Creswell (2007). The study was conducted within the Postgraduate Program in Natural Sciences at the Federal University of Sergipe (PPGCN/UFS), at the Professor Alberto Carvalho campus. Thirty-six teachers from 14 municipalities in DRE 03 were identified, of which 27 participated in the research, representing a 75% participation rate. Data collection was performed using an adapted and validated questionnaire, applied in the form of interviews, following the recommendations of Marconi and Lakatos (2003). Data analysis was based on Bardin (2011) and involved three stages: pre-analysis, exploration of the material, and analysis and interpretation. The results show that 77.8% of the teachers are licensed in Biological Sciences, with 22.2% licensed in Chemistry. Most of the teachers are graduates of public institutions in the state of Sergipe, highlighting the role of the Federal University of Sergipe, campus of São Cristóvão and Itabaiana, which educated 81.4% of the participants. The research also revealed that 55.6% of the teachers are permanent employees, and 63% do not have employment ties outside the state. The main challenges faced include: curricular components of Astronomy and Physics, structural conditions of schools, continued education, family support, didactic and methodological teaching approaches, professional recognition, and student behavior.