From basic training to teaching practice: what is the teacher's perception about gifting?

Abstract

The exercise of the teaching profession in the area of High Abilities/Giftness is challenging and requires training concerned with this theme. In this context, this research investigates the perception of High Abilities/Giftness, in the field of exact and earth sciences, together with two groups of actors: undergraduates and in-service teachers. The work makes a comparison between the researched groups with the purpose of verifying if the teaching practice and the subsequent formations modify the teacher's perception regarding the AH/G. Aspects of teacher training courses in Brazil are also observed, reflected in the knowledge and skills demonstrated by the teacher and their conceptions of the subject. 56 participants from the field of exact and earth sciences participated in the survey. The public opinion survey with unidentified participants was concerned with obtaining a diverse sample and the data were treated qualitatively and quantitatively. Gauthier, Tardif, Perrenoud, Renzulli, Fleith, Reis, Amaral, Bahiense, Rossetti, Delou, Virgolim and Pérez were some of the authors who supported the discussions of this work. Based on the answers obtained, it could be verified that in both groups surveyed, knowledge of AH/G was superficial and that teaching practice, as well as subsequent training, has not brought an adequate perception of giftedness.

Keywords

• altas habilidades/superdotação
• formação docente e prática docente.