Perfil conceitual de química : contribuições para uma análise da natureza da química e do seu ensino

Abstract

In this work, we have evaluated possibilities and limitations of a proposal for a conceptual profile of chemistry in order to interpretation of meaning processes on chemistry, its nature and potential connections with Chemistry Education and Teacher Education. Firstly, we constructed a proposal for a conceptual profile of chemistry from the dialogue with data gathered from three sources: historical and philosophical studies about chemistry; literature on alternative conceptions; questionnaires and discursive interactions in classroom with prospective chemistry teachers. Data analysis was performed from a qualitative approach supported by both interactional ethnography and the Bakhtin Circle's Theory of Language. The proposed conceptual profile is constituted by six zones: monist, aversive, epistemic, pragmatic, processual and attractive. This conceptual profile was used for analysing discursive interactions, mediated by issues and discussions on philosophy of chemistry, in the context of initial chemistry teachers training, which enabled us to characterize ways of speaking about chemistry. Findings also points out guidelines to address issues on nature of chemistry in chemistry teaching from the conceptual profile, considering the complex and multifaceted feature of chemistry.