Contributions to the understanding of students' knowledge and to the training of EJA teachers: spoken word, dialogue and listening from Freireans

Abstract

This article analyzes the importance of listening and valuing the knowledge and knowledge of young people, adults and the elderly. The intention is to contribute to the training of teachers who work in EJA. The construction of curricular practices for EJA must take into account the narratives of these students. This construction must be close to the reality of these students. Through the presentation of parts of the narratives by João and Dona Anita, the importance of promoting spaces conducive to the emergence of the spoken word, dialogue and attentive listening by Freireans is highlighted. João presents a mathematics linked to the knowledge of his work, and another linked to his student life. Dona Anita talks about her life crossed by gender issues. She highlights having known the lyrics in the traffic between her home and work. The results reiterate the Freirean idea that these subjects arrive at school with knowledge built on their experiences. These individuals are not empty boxes or illiterate subjects. The conclusion reinforces the relevance of Paulo Freire's thought, especially regarding the dialogue for the construction of a critical, democratic and liberating education.