Aprendizagem autônoma: as estratégias de estudo utilizadas pelos estudantes do ensino médio na disciplina de biologia

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the autonomous study and learning strategies used by

high school students in the discipline of Biology. Developed through an exploratory- descriptive approach with a qualitative-quantitative nature, the study was conducted

with 89 students from the three grades of high school in a public school in Paraíba, using questionnaires as the main data collection instrument. The results revealed a significant evolution in the use of study strategies throughout the school trajectory. In the first grade, only 34% of students reported using specific methods and techniques, while in the third grade this percentage reached 59%. Among the most mentioned strategies were video lessons, summaries, mind maps, systematic note-taking (fichamentos), exercise solving, and the Pomodoro technique for time management. An increase in the sophistication and diversification of these tools was observed as the grades advanced, with third-grade students demonstrating greater familiarity with strategies such as mind maps and time management methods. A preference for digital resources was identified, especially the internet, whose use progressively increased (32% in the 1st grade to 54% in the 3rd grade). The research also detected some student learning difficulties regarding the Biology discipline, such as content comprehension, memorization, and maintaining attention. As a pedagogical intervention, an educational video demonstrating specific study methods and techniques that can be used by students in their study routines was produced and made available to the research participants. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to implement, from the initial grades of high school, systematic programs that teach effective learning strategies, aiming to develop student autonomy and improve academic performance. It is recommended that future research establish causal relationships between the use of specific study methods and techniques and the improvement of academic performance in Biology, in addition to investigating the effectiveness of different strategies for specific contents of this discipline.