Continuing Education of Educators for/ in Science Clubs: an overview of Brazilian Scientific Production

Abstract

Science Clubs are contexts of Non-Formal Education, investigated from different perspectives, however, it is discussed a little about the professional development of professionals who work in this context. Based on this assumption, we developed an integrative review research with the objective of characterizing the teacher education in Science Clubs communicated in Brazilian scientific production, especially when dealing with continuing education pathways. Of the 32 works identified, 27 are related to initial training and only 5 investigate the continuing training of teachers who work in Science Clubs. However, the training paths are not very evident or are not reported. We therefore found a gap in knowledge regarding the continuing training of teachers in this context of non-formal education. Regarding the contribution that these contexts can offer to teachers, we found that there is no incentive for their practices to be disseminated in society and the professional development path does not encourage teachers to participate in public spaces. We suggest expanding and deepening discussions about professional development in these contexts, since Science Clubs have their specificities in scientific education and, consequently, the professionalization of the teachers.