TEACHING CREATIVE LEARNING: TRAINING PROPOSAL FOR TEACHERS WHO TEACH MATHEMATICS IN THE EARLY YEARS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Creative learning; Teacher Education; Mathematics; STEAM.
The teaching of Mathematics in Brazilian K-12 Education faces significant challenges, especially in promoting the resolution of real problems and the development of logical-mathematical reasoning. Given the low performance rates in this area, there is a need to incorporate innovative teaching methodologies and approaches. This research focuses on Creative Learning as a promising approach, based on the principles of the Four Ps (Projects, Peers, Passion and Play) and the learning spiral presented by Resnick (2014). Furthermore, the STEAM approach (acronym in English for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is integrated here, which seeks to contextualize projects with real-world problems, and the teaching of Mathematics in the early years of Elementary School. The relevance of this study lies in the need to contribute to the training of teachers who teach Mathematics in the initial years of Elementary School, who often feel challenged when teaching that component. To this end, the following research question was developed: What is the contribution of Creative Learning, from a STEAM perspective, in the training of teachers who teach Mathematics? Based on this, the following general objective was defined: Analyze how Creative Learning, from the perspective of STEAM, contributes to the training of teachers who teach Mathematics. The specific objectives were outlined as follows: i) Survey the training needs of teachers in the initial years of Elementary School in a municipal school regarding Mathematics; ii) Develop in-service training aimed at teachers, through teaching sequences, addressing Creative Learning from a STEAM perspective; and iii) evaluate the training model developed in Mathematics teaching practice. Theoretical contributions, among others, include the proposal by Resnick (2014) on Creative Learning, Bacich and Holanda (2020) on the STEAM approach, and Nacarato (2010) on the training of teachers who teach Mathematics. The research adopts the action research methodology that aims to promote collaboration between the researcher and teachers. Situated in the qualitative approach, here we seek a contextualized analysis of issues related to teaching practice, allowing a detailed and interpretative understanding of the qualitative aspects linked to the implemented intervention. Therefore, the research approach is defined as applied in nature, standing out for its emphasis on resolving practical issues and creating knowledge. The objectives are exploratory, as we seek to deepen the understanding of teaching practices and identify new perspectives and solutions to specific educational challenges. Therefore, a questionnaire will be applied to identify the training needs of teachers, aiming to provide essential data for the implementation of training, integrating Creative Learning and the STEAM approach that meets these needs. Throughout all stages of the research, for data generation, collection and analysis, the intervention moments will be recorded in video, image, observation and field diary, in addition to the participants' productions. As a technical-technological product of the professional master's degree, a training model will be developed consisting of teaching sequences aimed at teachers in the initial years of Elementary School. It is also expected to identify the contributions of the integration of Creative Learning from the STEAM perspective for the training of these teachers, encouraging reflection on pedagogical practices adapted to the students' learning process.