A Student-Centred Experience at a Brazilian Summer Course for Student Teachers

Background: This paper refers to an empirical study held at an undergraduate
summer course for student teachers at a public Brazilian University, aiming
to promote teaching and learning processes based on a student-centred approach.
Methods: The study was set up as a Pedagogical Action Research. The
classes were initially planned based on interviews with teachers and students
from the regular previous term and on open-answers questionnaires filled in
by students enrolled at the summer course. At the end of the summer course,
a new open-answer questionnaire was filled in by the students. Results: It was
possible to perceive a positive change on students’ postures, engagement and
learning, and will become teachers. Conclusions: The findings indicate that
student-centred practices are an interesting pedagogical approach for Teacher
Education. Besides going further with the Pedagogical Action Research it is
perceived the need to make similar studies at different Brazilian Higher Education
settings.