International Network to Reflect on, Create, and Implement Reference Practices in Critical Science Education

• Grant number: 25/12956-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Education
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Denise de Freitas
• Grantee: Denise de Freitas
• Principal researcher abroad: Rui Marques Vieira
• Institution abroad: Universidade de Aveiro (UA) , Portugal
• Host Institution: Centro de Educação e Ciências Humanas (CECH). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Carlos
• Associated researchers: Alessandra Miguel Kapp ; Mariana dos Santos
• Associated research grant: 24/09052-8 - Critical scientific education: transforming research results into reference practices in schools, AP.R

Abstract

This project proposes the establishment of an international action-research network in Science Education from a critical perspective, with a direct impact on the development of reference practices in educational public policies in the State of São Paulo. Based on the gaps identified through the FACTS tool (Assessment Tool for Science-Technology-Society), as well as formative studies on specific theoretical frameworks in the field of Science Education from a critical perspective, the project aims to deepen the understanding of formative practices that incorporate critical thinking frameworks at the Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF) at the University of Aveiro, Portugal.This work will enable the observation of formative activities with teachers from the Aveiro region, with the goal of developing and systematizing parameters for the construction and analysis of reference practices in Science Education, especially in initial teacher education for basic education, with a focus on the foundations of critical thinking. Data collection will take place through participant observation and interviews with teacher educators and schoolteachers. These data will also support the development of a new round of the Delphi method, aiming to improve the FACTS tool and guide the construction of new reference practices.In addition to international missions, the project includes the organization of Academic Seminars in São Paulo, aimed at the continued professional development of teachers and administrators from the São Paulo State Department of Education (SEE-SP). The expected outcomes of this exchange include the consolidation of an international research network, the production of formative materials, scientific publications, and the development of resources to enhance educational public policies, directly influencing discussions on the "Currículo Paulista" and the creation of continuing education modules for teachers on SEE-SP's digital platforms. (AU)