OPINIONS AND BELIEFS ABOUT SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS / CRENÇAS DE ALUNOS DE ENSINO SUPERIOR SOBRE CIÊNCIAS E MATEMÁTICA

Abstract

In a changing world, facing discoveries and inventions that change our lives and our responsibilities as citizens, it is necessary to consider pedagogical alternative, to discuss them in a critical perspective. This paper present the results of a survey accomplished with students of undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics and science, through an agreement questionnaire based on a Likert scale. The survey instrument, that consisted of statements in which respondents reported their level of agreement, was adapted from one already used in several investigations with students of exact sciences. The research sought answers to the following questions: what are the beliefs of mathematics, physics and chemistry students in relation to science and mathematics? Which of the search results can be used to extend, in the classroom, discussions on current issues involving critical knowledge of science and mathematics? The investigation sought to know the beliefs from the three types of interests theorized by Habermas: technical, pragmatic and emancipatory. The quantitative analysis of responses, with the aid of SPSS software, showed that these students have predominantly technical and pragmatic interests and still have difficulties in accepting critical views on science and cling to objectivist principles.

Keywords

• beliefs
• science and mathematics
• higher education