CIÊNCIAS DAS RELIGIÕES NA FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE: CAMINHOS PARA A QUALIFICAÇÃO DO ENSINO RELIGIOSO NA REDE MUNICIPAL DE FORTALEZA/CE

Abstract

The research investigates the challenges of teaching practice and develops a proposal for a continuing education course for Religious Education teachers in the municipal school system of Fortaleza, Ceará. Religious Education is approached as a space for valuing religious pluralism and the integral development of students. However, its implementation requires appropriate teacher training to enable an approach that ensures respect for diverse beliefs and life philosophies. The study seeks to answer the following research question: How can continuing education, grounded in the Sciences of Religion, enhance the performance of Religious Education teachers in the early years of elementary education within the municipal school system of Fortaleza/CE? The hypothesis is that the pedagogical practice of this curricular component in the investigated municipal system is characterized by a lack of both initial and continuing training in the Sciences of Religion. The specific objectives of the research are: to analyze the Religious Education curricular component within the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC); to reflect on the history of teacher training in Brazil; and to analyze pedagogical practices and teaching challenges in Religious Education, followed by the development of a proposal for a Continuing Education Course Program. The theoretical framework of the research is based on contributions from Elisa Rodrigues, Sérgio Junqueira, Nathália Martins, Francisco Palheta, among others. The study aims to highlight the relevance of teacher training based on the Sciences of Religion, demonstrating that this approach can ensure a non-confessional Religious Education. The methodology follows the path of bibliographic research, gathering books, articles, and academic works; documentary research, exploring legislation that regulates Religious Education; and field research, focusing on information and perceptions of pedagogical practice within the context of the investigated school network. The final product of the dissertation is the Continuing Education Course Program. Upon completion of this research, the aim is to contribute to the realization of Religious Education and provide teachers with the opportunity for professional development, thereby fostering the creation of a democratic, ethical, and inclusive environment in public schools in the Municipality of Fortaleza, CE.