THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PEDAGOGICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM 38 32

A STUDY OF UBALDO SORRILHA DA COSTA MUNICIPAL SCHOOL – SÃO BORJA, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL

Abstract

The Pedagogical Residency Program (PRP) was an educational policy aimed at teacher training in both private and public higher education institutions. Its implementation, supervision, and evaluation are linked to the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). In its organizational structure, this policy involves four actors: the Institutional Coordinator, the Supervising Teacher, the School Mentor (Preceptor), and the Resident. For its implementation, the PRP has five objectives: to strengthen the practical and theoretical knowledge of the teaching profession; to contribute to the development of the professional identity of teacher education students; to establish cooperation among federal entities in teacher education; to value the knowledge of teachers working in basic education; and to promote research on educational practices.

This manuscript discusses the implementation of the objectives of the Pedagogical Residency Program from the perspective of the School Mentor (Preceptor). Methodologically, an interview was conducted with this actor at Ubaldo Sorrilha da Costa Municipal Elementary School. Content analysis was employed to interpret the information obtained.

The results revealed that the interviewed teacher considers the theoretical aspects of the Geography Core to be deficient, while highlighting the practical aspects as a distinguishing feature in teacher education. Regarding the contribution to professional identity, the respondent stated that this is indeed one of the program’s objectives. Concerning cooperation among federal entities, the policy fulfills its purpose by connecting the realities of basic and higher education. With respect to the fourth objective, the participant argued that School Mentors are valued by both Residents and Supervising Teachers. Finally, the respondent indicated that research on pedagogical practices should be improved within the program.