In Portuguese, four words have been used to describe the pedagogical activity: ensinar (to teach), formar (to form), educar (to educate) and instruir (to instruct). Their meanings and uses have shifted significantly, reflecting not only changes in the school system but also in the society development. An etymological study shows that their original meanings and uses may tell us something about the school - teacher - student relationship prevailing at a given time. The special case of Physical Sciences is examined to show that there seems to have a clear connection between the use of these words and the underlying philosophical conceptions embodied in the pedagogical practices.
to teach; to form; to educate; to instruct; new school; movement; teaching reform; Physics teaching