The Physics Teaching in Primary School – a case study on teacher education

This study presents the partial results of a research developed aiming at investigating the epistemological profile, attitudes and reactions of future Primary School teachers. It was developed through workshops focused on experimentation with low-cost materials in the field of static electricity. Participative observation was the main technique used for data collecting. The results have pointed out conceptual, linguistic and psycho-cognitive obstacles, but they have also shown positive responses from the research subjects such as concern with their teaching practice and the student’s learning. Most participants presented ideas which agreed with constructivist concepts regarding teaching and learning, however, contradictions indicating difficulties in breaking with traditional pedagogical patterns remained in some speeches. It was concluded that the experimental methodology besides having favored cognitive development and investigative attitudes, it also made possible, thanks to mediation and interaction, an awareness on the use of innovative pedagogical strategies in the classroom