Interdisciplinary approaches in the initial training of teachers of natural sciences and mathematics: challenges faced

Abstract

The objective of this research is to present and discuss the challenges faced in the implementation of interdisciplinary practices in the initial training of undergraduate students in the area of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The research is qualitative in nature and had as research subjects undergraduate students of Biological Sciences, Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). The methodology used in the Projeto Interlicenciaturas was Pesquisa de Design Educacional, which identifies real problems and tries to solve them. The data were obtained by means of a questionnaire for enrollment in the educational project, a final evaluation questionnaire, observations and notes; the analyses occurred by means of descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results indicate several obstacles in relation to the planning and execution of the project with an interdisciplinary perspective. The challenges that emerged were: incompatibility of schedules to carry out the project, attraction and maintenance of participating undergraduates, high variability of semesters among undergraduates, resistance to build interdisciplinary activities, difficulties in relationships with group colleagues, lack of time to perform the activities and to meet with the group. Different actions were carried out seeking to overcome the challenges faced in the implementation of interdisciplinary practices, such as reorganization of the work groups, as well as moments of orientation and mediation with these, we also counted on the contribution of external professors as collaborators of the project.