Contextualization in learning: Perceptions of teachers of science and mathematics

Abstract

The present article shows a qualitative research on the teachers' perceptions about the contextualization in Science and Mathematics learning. The research main question is: Which are the teachers' perceptions about contextualization during Science and Mathematics learning in basic education? In order to answer that, 17 teachers wrote testimonies on the subject, which were analyzed through Discursive Textual Analysis (DTA). For this, teachers' statements were deconstructed in units of meaning, which were grouped into initial emergent categories. These, when regrouped by similarity, gave rise to the two final categories of analysis: contextualization as a way of learning with meaning in Science and Mathematics and contextualization as a way of motivating to learn. As a main conclusion, the participants of the research realize that contextualization allows the construction of meanings and relations between the knowledge - those that the students already possess with the scientific knowledge. In addition, the importance of interdisciplinary practices and motivation as a generator of interest and active student participation are highlighted by this research. From the teachers' responses, it can also be seen that the contextualization in the teaching and learning processes is a possibility to problematize their reality, which contributes to the formation of critical and autonomous thinkers.