The institutional trajectory of The National Training Program in Public Administration at The Federal University of Ouro Preto

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes the institutional trajectory of the National Training Program in Public Administration (PNAP) at the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP) and the students’ perception of the training received. Offered in the distance mode within the actions of the program Open University of Brazil through a multilevel implementation network, the program aims to train people who work or have an interest in the area. The research methodology involved: document and data analysis from the five classes offered between 2009 and 2016 and on the 2021 class; analysis of the online questionnaires sent to the 242 students in the 2021 class in December 2021 and July 2022; and interviews with four professors in management roles between July and August 2022. Data were analyzed from four dimensions: perspectives on training and insertion in the professional field; technologies and the virtual learning environment, Moodle; the pedagogical design: disciplines and curriculum; and the polyteaching team: pedagogical and academic-administrative management. The analysis revealed that the high dropout rates in the PNAP at UFOP reflect its weakening, as a result of the successive cuts in its budget and the constant changes in the rules for new offers. Despite the students having positive expectations of insertion in the field, the data revealed that the students’ perception of the course and training has worsened, which may be a reflection of budget restrictions, which reduce incentives to join and improve the institutions’ training strategies.

Keywords:
National Training Program in Public Administration; Public Field; distance education; educational management; implementation of educational policies