Action research: the search for dialogue - doi: 10.4025/bolgeogr.v28i1.7968

Abstract

The objective of this research study was to interact with primary school teachers who are users of the “Maringa School Atlas: environment and education” and seek methodological support and understanding to make possible a significant project with third grade students at Maringa municipal schools. The study was carried out with five teachers who welcomed us into their classrooms so we could observe the way the students interacted with Atlas maps, graphs and photos, as well their questions and needs. Observations, informal talking, interviews, and reading of student and teacher notes were used as sources to diagnose the problem-situation; in meetings with the teachers, we sought different solutions to improve the students‟ understanding of local geography. The collaboration from the five teachers was very significant to the results of this research, and we were able to compile a book with this experience, titled “Cartography literacy: the experience of collaborative action research,” which could assist Atlas users in the classroom.