A docência em fisioterapia: uma formação em construção

Abstract

The objective of this thesis dissertation was to determine the process needed to train someone to become an academic professor in the area of Physical Therapy. To achieve this, many different aspects were investigated through the use of qualitative research. Initially, data was collected using an interview process that utilized open ended questions to gain a better understanding of the objectives used. In addition, this research project tried to obtain besides the goals stated, a better felling for the political and social issues that are faced by the physical therapist when involved with teaching in the academic setting. Furthermore, it was also considered, the current legislation that sometimes imposed certain limitations to the physical therapist professionals that are involved in higher education teaching. To achieve this, twelve professionals involved with teaching health care workers at the post-graduate level were interviewed. The views of these professionals, regarding their needs for optimal every-day teaching was taking in consideration. It was also necessary to obtain data about their routine work, and what else is needed to accomplish their goals of teaching graduate students at both master and doctorate levels. Analysis of the data obtained revealed that the major interference with the teaching at the post-graduate level is the lack of adequate qualifications by the teachers. This is a major issue to overcome and to obtain better results in the future. In addition, the lack of opportunities to participate and pursue academic research is a major obstacle that teachers are faced at the post-graduate level. On the other hand, this interview process indicated that the importance for teachers that are teaching at a higher level is to pursue higher levels of education and training. In addition, this research project obtained enough data to propose some changes at the post-graduate teaching level and also to make changes in the existing curriculum. To accomplish this, changes at both, reference materials and the existing curriculum, are much needed to offer a better environment of learning for graduate students of both master and doctorate level in Physical Therapy. These changes will also provide a better environment for the graduate student to become involved and pursue a career in academia. Research projects utilizing projects that have focus on teaching at both master and doctorate level, published studies, and implementation of new courses that are in line with the current best practices of Physical Therapy are much needed to obtain a higher level of education. Together, these changes will bring a more interactive and productive environment between faculty and students of the Physical Therapy discipline