Entomology in tecnhical agricultural high school: A work’s proposal

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/198271991030

Educational practices require effective participation of those involved in the process. It is important to promote significant learning, through which new information is related - in a substantive (non-literal) and not arbitrary way - to a relevant aspect of the individual’s cognitive structure. Practical activities are excellent educational tools that contribute to the teaching-learning process, encouraging motivation and concepts retention more efficiently than with strictly theoretical approaches. In this paper we report the results of an entomology extension project for second year high school students from Colégio Agrícola Estadual Augusto Ribas, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. This paper development intends to enlarge the knowledge about some types of insects of agricultural interest through theoretical-practical classes and through a supporting text containing a dichotomous key. Data collection was performed through questionnaires applied before and after class, free writing (one paragraph long) and observation. Results were analyzed qualitatively. It was observed that different didactic activities contribute to a better understanding and assimilation of scientific contents. Dichotomous key is a viable resource to teach taxonomic characters and systematics notions. All students demonstrated interest and asked questions during classes. It can be concluded that the use of different methodologies helped the content comprehension, since theoretical-practical class stimulated students' curiosity and the supporting text contributed to the technical terms explanation and visualization.

Keywords: Practical classes, Identification key, Insects, Fieldwork.