Learning difficulties in school children: health and education professionals’ perceptions

Abstract

Objectives: to understand health and education professionals’ perceptions regarding children’s learning difficulties in public schools. Methods: qualitative research, of the participatory action type, linked to Paulo Freire’s Research Itinerary. Forty-five professionals participated, through interviews and a Virtual Culture Circle. The analysis was developed through careful reading, reflection and interpretation of highlighted topics. Results: professionals discussed the (in)visibility of learning difficulties, strategies and resources in the educational sector and the search for solutions in the health sector. It was found that the production of complaints related to school learning is attributed predominantly as an individual problem of children or their family, exempting the educational institution from this process. Final Considerations: greater investment in professional training and development policies is urgently needed to facilitate coordination between sectors, with a view to overcoming outdated pedagogical and health models.