Educação ambiental na Escola Estadual de Educação Básica Dom Antonio Reis (Faxinal do Soturno, RS, Brasil): estímulo aos valores das questões ambientais

Abstract

This coursework aimed at verifying the practice of Environmental Education at Dom Antonio Reis State Primary School in the city of Faxinal do Soturno, Brazil, as well as sensitising teachers regarding the topic, considering the practical possibility of transversal insertion of Environmental Education in the everyday development of school subjects. For that, 26 teachers were gathered for a information-sharing lecture on the 1st November, 2013. Topics covered included: the school’s mission in enlightening values and developing ethical conduct; the National Curriculum Guidelines; environment and teamwork within Environmental Education. Teachers initially answered a survey that sought to outline their profile and their impression towards the practice of Environmental Education at school. Most teachers are involved with the first grades of primary and secondary schools, some of whom attend to pre-elementary child education and to first grades of primary school. When they were questioned on the insertion of Environmental Education in their educational practice, most teachers stated that it does not happen. Regarding the lecture, the teachers’ reaction is positive and receptive towards the presented proposal; some pose questions, raising discussion within the topic and contributing with professional and personal experiences. After the lecture, they answered a new survey, which evaluated the pertinence of actions such as this one in constructing the practice of Environmental Education. Overall, teachers highlighted some desired actions to prompt practices of Environmental Education, namely: lectures, mini-workshops, meetings, and continued training; They also point difficulties such as lack of time, strictness of the curriculum, and lack of structure at the school. Teachers demonstrated openness to new changes, suggesting involving Environmental Education in continued training.