Teacher Education for High School Chemistry Teachers in Brazil: An Analysis of Manuscripts

Chemistry is a science that causes human, political and social impacts. Contemporaneous didactic-pedagogical development programs have focused on reflexive teachers who participate in appropriation of knowledge with their students. These programs are based on a close relation between knowledge and learning. The teaching profession is complex and goes beyond knowing and teaching. The search for balance among required competencies in teaching degree programs is fundamental to develop teachers’ profiles. To reach balance, teachers’ early Education must be guided through the articulation path between specific knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. In Higher Education, teaching degrees in Chemistry should account for several aspects, such as the content to be taught, curriculum, pedagogy related to the course, scientific knowledge and other specificities about teaching and teaching of the chemical science. Keeping in mind the educational process of Chemistry teachers in Brazil, this study aimed at understanding – through scientific studies in the field of chemical Education – the development of Chemistry teachers’ practices in their lessons. The investigation aimed at discussing what influences specific and pedagogical development of Chemistry teachers and what challenges their work in Brazil nowadays. Twenty-five papers published in Brazilian journals were selected to determine how pedagogical knowledge is inserted into teacher Education programs that focus on undergraduate students in Chemistry. This paper also describes methodological strategies used by teachers to carry out their tasks. The methodology of the study had a qualitative-exploratory nature. Results reinsure that teachers, mainly Chemistry teachers, need to reflect upon methodologies they use, re-invent their practices, look for theoretical references and update their knowledge of Chemistry teaching.