Analysis of research activities produced by Biological Sciences undergraduates: implications for teacher training

ABSTRACT:

Science Teaching by Inquiry (EnCI) is a teaching approach that emphasizes greater freedom of student participation. Knowing this, this qualitative and descriptive research aims to identify and analyze the investigative elements present in research activities produced by undergraduate students to understand the challenges and possibilities found in their production. Data collection took place during a training course offered to Biological Sciences graduates related to EnCI. The seven activities produced by the undergraduate students were analyzed using an analytical instrument composed of elements essential to the investigation. The results revealed that most of the activities presented investigative elements: problem, hypotheses, comparison of hypotheses, evidence and conclusion. However, there were difficulties in the stages of formulating hypotheses, identifying evidence and concluding. Therefore, it is considered necessary that graduate students are prepared to carry out investigative activities that include the elements that underlie the EnCI.

Key words:
Investigative activity; Inquiry-based teaching; Graduates