Use of animals in teaching: a case study in Biological Sciences courses

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the use of animals in teaching within the Biological Sciences Courses of a Higher Education Institution. A qualitative research approach and case study typology were used. Were analyzed the Pedagogical Projects of the Courses (PPC) and the programs of the disciplines and the perception of teachers and students. It was verified that the registration of the use of animals in education is still little contemplated in the documents related to the Biological Sciences Courses of the institution. It is necessary that the documents detail more clearly the methodologies to be used, their purposes and the didactic resources that will be effectively employed, in line with the guidelines provided by the National Council for Animal Control and Experimentation (CONCEA). Regarding the perception of teachers and students, it was identified that part characterizes this practice as being essential for learning the theoretical biological content, while others defend the use of alternative resources. It is important that, in the context of teaching, the use of animals is considered, especially taking into account the real need to achieve the didactic objectives, the impacts that such use can cause, as well as the issue of valuing and respecting the life.

Keywords

• uso de animais
• ensino
• ciências biológicas
• estudo de caso