AGROECOLOGY IN GEOGRAPHY TEXTBOOKS OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION II

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the topic agroecology in Geography textbooks of the final elementary school years. The analysis was based on the perspective and the need to work this theme in the 7th grade, since the approach on the countryside and its activities should be undertaken at this stage of education according to the curriculum that proposes, for the most part, to study the Brazilian rural space. The textbook is the main didactic source to guide the teacher in his classes, in other words, it is the most important pedagogical tool in the construction of knowledge. The methodology consisted of the analysis of 15 book collection on the Geography subject sent by PNLD (National Textbook Program) for the years 2014-2016. The focus was the qualitative study on the presence or absence of the approach on agroecology and how the topic is presented in the books. To explore the development of agroecology in Geography lessons is very important, considering the construction of knowledge beyond the conventional model of a socially correct agricultural development. The study about agroecology can arouse the students' recognition of the environmental importance of family farming and respect for the countryside man. Despite the topics sustainability, the woman’s empowerment, and the rural man and his importance to society have been largely discussed, few textbooks work for this bias in understanding the Brazilian countryside. Even in those books where there is this approach, the issue is presented in a superficial and fragmented way.