Professional master's degrees in science education: some considerations about the selection process

Abstract

The Teaching of Science and Mathematics that one observes in the reality of our high school and fundamental is still far from what the scholars in education idealized. Several are the searches that based on aspects of initial and continuous training of teachers, aim at improving the quality of teaching of science in Brazil. However, considering the current demands, we think the worst part is not in the initial training, but in continuing education, particularly because it is the stage where there is an ongoing renewal of the teaching of science. In this context, we believe the Master Professional as an important means of bringing the research in teaching of science into the classroom, as one knows, is the goal in the vast area of teaching science. This study aimed to think about the selection processes of these masters. How does the program of Master of Professional  Education in Science and Mathematics are selecting their candidates? What are the criteria considered relevant? Are these criteria really democratic? In the search for answers, we used as a means of collecting data the information provided in courses in the worldwide network of computers, the Internet. From this information we see that the majority of Master Professional programs in science teaching sets the following criteria of selection: (1) documents attesting to teaching in basic education or in related areas, (2) Curriculum, (3) Writing Test, (4) Research Project or intention, (5) Interview, (6) and Proficiency (7) Memorial. In addition to questioning some of these steps, we offer a suggestion for selection of a professional master's degree in teaching of science that is less exclusive and closer to a democratic merit-selection.