Percursos curriculares alternativos nos TEIP - expectativas dos alunos de uma turma de PCA sobre o seu futuro: estudo de caso

Abstract

This empirical study is based upon a class of an alternative education programs (PCA) – year eight. The main focus is on the different perspectives of these teenagers/students as far as their future school and career paths are regarded, bearing in mind the agents associated with this process: teachers and parents. This group of students attended a secondary school located in a very complicated neighbourhood that deals with very serious issues, such as: drug abuse, alcoholism and violence. These students had very poor marks, were absent from most part of the classes, were unmotivated, weren’t aware of the importance of following the rules and had low self-esteem. Last but not least, they had very troublesome relationships with their peers as well as feelings of exclusion. This intervention reflected the descriptive research based on qualitative analysis. We have also done some research work, interviews and surveys. The results show us that in spite of showing improper behaviour, students consider the teacher-student relationship to be a good one and that has contributed for the success of their learning process, even though it is very hard and slow because of their lack of enthusiasm and interest. Nevertheless, due to the commitment of teachers that have planned their classes very carefully, bearing in mind the specific needs of students so as to help them overcame the obstacles they had and consequently they improved their results. We have also concluded that this particular type of students needs to change their attitudes towards school in order to develop their learning skills. We have to consider that their parents are a fundamental key to the success of their children. These courses are meant to give students an opportunity to improve their behaviour by giving them the chance to find a suitable career path.

Date of Award	2016
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	OSCAR CONCEIÇÃO DE SOUSA (Supervisor)