Licentiate Degree in Rural Education in the Central West Region and the difficulties faced in their implementation and consolidation process

Abstract

This study analyzes the general challenges faced by Licentiate Degree in Rural Education, with a specialization in Natural Sciences, offered in the Central-West Region, which began their activities in 2014. The investigation, carried out from the perspective of professors linked to the selected universities, highlights the obstacles related to the implementation and consolidation of these courses. The research adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews as a data collection technique. The participants were teachers from the institutions, and the data obtained were analyzed using the Discursive Textual Analysis methodology. This process resulted in the identification of four analytical categories, and this paper discusses the general difficulties reported by the teachers. Among the challenges identified, the shortage of financial resources stands out, which compromises both, the infrastructure and the maintenance of spaces essential to the adopted pedagogical model, such as the Alternation Houses. The lack of adequate laboratories, equipped classrooms and the lack of teachers with a profile suited to the course proposal were also identified as significant barriers. These factors negatively impact the quality of student education. Additionally, difficulty in attracting and retaining the target audience foreseen by the Procampo notice was highlighted. This situation is aggravated by the emptying of classes, the lack of identification of some students with the pedagogical proposal of the course and high dropout and transfer rates. These elements represent persistent challenges for the effective consolidation of these courses in the region analyzed. This work highlights the need for public policies that guarantee better conditions for the implementation and continuity of these courses.