UM OLHAR SOBRE O ENSINO RELIGIOSO A PARTIR DOS ESTUDANTES: A PERCEPÇÃO DOS ALUNOS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL II, NA ESCOLA PÚBLICA DO MUNICÍPIO DE MARATAÍZES- ES.

Abstract

This research investigates the perception of elementary school students about religious education classes at the Domingos José Martins State Elementary and High School, located in the city of Marataízes, Espírito Santo. The study is based on the premise that religious education, when well conducted, can be a space for dialogue, respect for diversity and citizenship formation, especially in a plural country like Brazil. The main objective is to analyze the representations and narratives of 9th grade students about religious education classes, with the aim of reflecting on theoretical and methodological alternatives that make teaching more inclusive, dialogical and critical. The research also seeks to understand whether students recognize the importance of this curricular component in their school and social lives. The methodology adopted is a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative instruments. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with students and documentary analysis of the regulations governing Religious Education in Espírito Santo, with an emphasis on the guidelines of the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) and the academic production of authors such as Elisa Rodrigues, Nathalia Martins and Bittencourt Filho. The results indicate that the students' narratives reveal diverse understandings of the religious phenomenon, in addition to indicating the need for methodologies that value listening, cultural diversity and critical reflection. It is concluded that Religious Education, when planned in an ethical, plural and dialogical way, contributes significantly to the strengthening of a culture of peace and to the formation of more aware and tolerant citizens.