TEACHING GEOGRAPHY USING RESEARCH PROJECTS: EXPERIENCES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT UBERLÂNDIA-MG

Abstract

This paper reports on the researcher experiences while working on the project ‘Teaching Geography using Projects: the Geography research in elementary schools basic education’. The project was developed with the help of students and teachers of public schools at Uberlândia-MG. It was sponsored by The Federal University at Uberlândia, being part of the Research and Post-Graduation Rectory’s policies, which foments research to new doctors. The Project was introduced to the school students as soon as the proposal was approved. The aim was to present a proposal on teaching Geography based on the pedagogy of projects. The main objective was to develop projects of Research in Geography with students of the Elementary School where they could act as researchers having their studies involving the School and the University. Although there have been a number of proposals presented, we understand that there is still a long distance between presentation and introduction. We also consider the relevance of investments on Basic Education especially on what it concerns the way we act towards the students in this education phase. This way we argue in favor of research projects with methodology as we believe that it would be the best way to approach learning.