Rethinking teacher education through the exchange of knowledge among teachers in the quest for Sensitive Geography

Abstract

In this study related with Geography teaching in basic school the main objective is to explore experiences in the classroom whose meanings are defined as relevant for learning within the life experience context of educators and students. We propose a reflection on the teaching of Geography, highlighting central aspects to make learning more effective throughout the dimensions of everyday life. Inspired by the Kaecher’s ideas towards space education and in Oliveira Jr. studies related to images and Geography, we name this way to learn the space which values the sharing of our perceptions, Sensitive Geography. We develop two editions of a formation course to teachers in which the main goal was to promote Sensitive Geography through the exchange of teaching knowledge among the educators that work in Geography classes of public schools of São Leopoldo City, south Brazil. As conclusions it is possible to draw three main lines: first, Sensitive Geography seems to be effective considering it is more dynamic and interesting the classes in which is considered the spatial understandings and references of the students and teachers as the main contents; second, teachers’ performance is very exposed to social problems, in spite of it, they are very capable to exchange geography learning experiences to improve their classes; finally technological tools are very considered as expectancy to better reflect in teachings the aspects of our living spaces.