A visão de estudantes concluintes do Ensino médio sobre fungos

Abstract

The present study is aimed to investigate the perceptions of graduating high school students on fungi. Choosing this target audience is justified because they may provide evidence of the possible contributions of science education regarding the teaching of mycology, once the student is about to conclude basic education. It is important to underline that the research was developed in the city of Diadema, São Paulo state, Brazil, where 305 students from public and private schools were engaged by answering a research survey on the subject. The analysis of the results showed that most students have a negative view of fungi, and they associate them mostly with disease-causing organisms and show little knowledge of the ecological and economic importance of these beings. Another clear association that comprises the students perception is the misconception that fungi are bacteria, and that there are no differences between these organisms. It is also possible to consider that for a significant part of the students it is not easy or natural to talk about fungi, which clearly shows the lack of familiarity and knowledge on the subject. Therefore, it is expected that the results of the present research will motivate and contribute to discussions aimed to improve the quality of Biology education in schools, especially when the subject in question is fungi.