PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS IN THE MUNICIPAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF NATAL/RN
Democratic Management. School Council. School Counselors. Problem-Based Learning.
This study investigates how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) can contribute to the continuing education of school counselors in the Municipal Educational System of Natal/RN. The School Council is understood as the main space for collective decision-making, contributing to the construction of an autonomous and democratic school. The proposal is justified by the possibility of strengthening the role of school councils as deliberative bodies in public schools and by outlining strategies to support the resolution of problems in everyday school life. Therefore, the guiding question is: How can the inclusion of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in continuing education contribute to strengthening the performance of school counselors in the Natal/RN Municipal Network? The main objective is to analyze the incorporation of the Problem-Based Learning methodology into the continuing education of school counselors in this system, in order to identify potential contributions to the practices of this collegiate body. The specific objectives are: (a) to analyze the principles of school counselors’ work in order to define key categories to be addressed in continuing education; (b) to identify the challenges and needs of school counselors’ continuing education in the Municipal Educational System; (c) to assess the applicability of Problem-Based Learning in the development of competences and in school counselors’ practices; and (d) to design a course model for implementing Problem-Based Learning in continuing education, aimed at strengthening professional practices. The central issue of this proposal lies in the challenges faced by school counselors, who must deal with complex and multifaceted situations, such as reconciling diverse perspectives and interests within educational institutions, and seeking balanced solutions that prioritize the common good. In this context, the theoretical framework is based on the works of Barbosa Júnior (2013), Freire (1999), Gracindo (2009), Gadotti (1997), Moran (2018), and Lopes, Silva Filho & Alves (2019). The research adopted an action-research methodology, due to its potential to critically investigate reality through cooperation between researchers and participants directly involved in the phenomenon studied. As the main product, this study proposes the development of a model for continuing education for school counselors, based on Problem-Based Learning.