Teacher training and representations of Health: paths for Health Education from a critical perspective

ABSTRACT:

Aiming to make a contribution to teacher training, we present an analysis of social representations of health based on definitions and graphic productions in the context of a formation course for in-service kindergarten teachers. Definitions allowed recognition of several underlying ontologies, while graphic productions displayed different components and dimensions, enriching the definitions. Results showed a perspective of health focused on the individual, related to a representation of health as lifestyle, health as balance and a behavioral educational approach. Critical reflections on educational practices and the various dimensions of health were, in our experience, one of the gateways to denature the existing and more complex, multidimensional and critical perspectives for Health Education.

Keywords:
Social representations; Health; In-service teacher training; Kindergarten.