O protagonismo feminino na Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA): entre ensinagens e aprendizagens

Abstract

This study presents the development of research based on the relationship between mathematics teaching and the experiences of students in Adult and Youth Education (EJA). The guiding principle of this research focused on identifying and formulating teaching strategies in the field of mathematics that address the needs of the students, making a connection with the mathematics curriculum components. The issue under discussion sought to deepen the mathematical relationships and how this discipline can contribute to a better educational and social development of these students. The work took place at the Municipal School of Elementary Education Dr. Mário Meneghetti, located in the Getúlio Vargas neighborhood in the city of Pelotas, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. With a focus on students’ experiences, a qualitative methodology was chosen, involving semi-structured interviews, a pilot project, discussion circles, and, as the professional master’s product, a culinary workshop titled “Female Empowerment in EJA”. During the interviews and the pilot project, students emphasized the importance of mathematics teaching that contributes to their real needs as individuals who fight daily for a place in the job market. Based on these data, the researcher opted, after careful consideration of the group’s inquiries, to create a master’s product that empowered the female students participating in this workshop. It was led by a student who taught her peers and, together with the team, prepared 40 “Alaminutas” (ready-made meals). At this point, the researcher’s role transitioned between data collection and mediating this practice concerning the mathematical knowledge involved in this activity, from purchasing ingredients to calculating costs and sales prices. The results indicate that students participating in contextualized activities develop mathematical competencies and skills necessary for their personal, academic, and professional growth with greater potential. In other words, within the scope of this research, mathematics contributed to enhancing promising practices in which the researched group is engaged, aiming to improve their socioeconomic level.