O ensino de língua portuguesa na educação de jovens e adultos em uma escola estadual de Santa Maria

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the importance given to the Portuguese language in the life of students and a teacher in the last year of High School in the modality of Education of Youth and Adults in a public school in the city of Santa Maria-RS. In view of this analysis, the general objective is defined: to recognize how the practices of this Portuguese Language state school teacher may contribute to the civic education of these students. The specific objectives are to rescue the history of Education of Youth and Adults in Brazil; analyze the practices for teaching Portuguese used by this teacher and learning by the youth and adult students of a state school in Santa Maria; identify whether there is a possible relationship between the Portuguese language and life quality of these students, in a perspective of social engagement. To meet the proposed objectives, it was chosen a qualitative approach with a case study, using as an instrument for collecting data a semi-structured interview with the students and the teacher. For the analysis of the data collected and the categories of research and its ramifications, it was adopted the content analysis, which allowed to understand how important the Portuguese language is in the lives of the students and its contribution to social engagement. First, it was examined how the students perceive this modality, noting that there are still many uncertainties about what this modality is and what are its purposes. From the point of view of the students, several different opinions were noticed, for example, some of them feel that teaching is good and improving, while others believe that education is superficial, as a supplement. In general, it was noticed a considerable satisfaction about teaching in this modality. For the teacher of Portuguese language, the governmental publics policies for the teaching of Youth and Adults in the last six years, approximately, are coming in the opposite of what the modality is proposed to, i.e., an education with quality and equity to teaching for citizenship. Despite the difficulties reported by the teacher in her practice, she gives priority to education and believes in it, working with enthusiasm. Concerning the importance of the Portuguese language in education, most students realize that the study of language and its structure are fundamental to their education and social interaction in everyday life. The professor reports that it is vital for social interaction a good learning of the discipline, the functioning of language structures. The proper use of language is understood by the students as a condition for the construction of citizenship, being indispensable for a better life and a possibility for social mobility. It is through discussions and knowledge of the mechanisms of language in the classroom, according to the teacher, that her students construct their citizenship. It is concluded that the quality of teaching and learning of Portuguese can contribute decisively; the study of language structures and their proper use are essential to a larger world view, understanding of reality and, hence, a better citizenship development.