PRÁTICAS DOCENTES NO CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR

The study aimed to investigate, through the representations of professors from the Administration Program at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), the epistemological foundation that underpins the teaching practices of these professionals. The analysis of this knowledge seeks to understand how the program has been structured to develop autonomous individuals capable of understanding and acting responsibly in contemporary society. A qualitative approach was used, with semi-structured interviews for data collection. The results indicate that most of these professionals did not have, either in their initial education or in graduate programs, courses related to university pedagogy that would help them in their teaching practice. It was observed that some professors appear to be influenced by instrumental rationality, often associated with the traditional paradigm, while others align with an emerging paradigm. Given this reality, the need for continued teacher education becomes evident. This training will enable professors to develop pedagogical practices in the classroom that promote the development of student autonomy, encouraging a more critical, reflective education capable of addressing contemporary demands.