Potentially meaningful teaching unit on Cosmology in the vision of the teacher of fundamental and average education

Abstract

This research investigated the potentialities of the Meaningful Learning Theory (MLT) for the facilitation of the teaching of Modern and Contemporary Physics (MCP) content at the intermediate level. Privileging a qualitative approach, the work was based on the theoretical reference of the epistemology of teaching practice, on the teaching model of Gowin’s theory and on the principles of Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning theory for the elaboration of Potentially Meaningful Teaching Units. The entire study resulted in the elaboration of an Educational Product, constituted by the MLTs elaborated in the themes of Cosmology and Radioactivity. On-line questionnaires and interviews with physics teachers and activities used in MLTs were used as data collection instruments. Regarding the teaching of Cosmology and Radioactivity, the teachers suggested that they be taught through films, seminars and reading interdisciplinary texts. The analysis of answers by five teachers, regarding the efficiency and relevance of the strategy as a material to support the teaching in general, were positive. The teachers approved the potential of the material analyzed, activities, the instructions for execution, the time to plan and elaborate activities related to MCP, content not even emphasized in physics classes.