Universidade da maturidade: uma prática educativa no polo de Dianópolis/TO

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the educational practices of the University of Maturity (UMA) at the Dianópolis campus, Tocantins State, Brazil, from 2019 to 2023. The study analyzed these practices as an instrument capable of alleviating the loneliness experienced by the elderly population of Tocantins, which is identified as one of the social violences present in the Brazilian reality. This research holds social relevance given that the accelerating process of population aging, in Brazil and worldwide, demands new practices, knowledge, and challenges from education professionals regarding the pedagogical processes in the actions of teaching, learning, and coexistence for this group. In this regard, the study is justified because, despite existing research on the subject, much remains to be done concerning educational practices aimed at the elderly in Tocantins, as the number of older people grows, increasing the segment of the population that seeks to enroll in the University to maintain an active, healthy life and obtain new learning and affective relationships. To support this research, contributions from various authors in the areas of Human Aging, Public Policies on the Right to Education for the Elderly, Teacher Training, Educational Practices, and Pedagogical Projects, among others, were utilized. To enable the present study, a methodology was chosen that characterizes this work as a documentary research with a qualitative approach, identified as a case study. The documentary corpus (2019 to 2023) was composed of documentary analysis, including: the political-social project, lesson plans, developed projects, photographs, videos, trips, and recorded testimonials from teachers. The research data were generated through the reading of minutes, interviews, official letters, the political-pedagogical project, classes, projects undertaken, videos, and testimonials from coordinators, journalists, politicians, professors, and UMA/UFT academics in Dianópolis-TO. Bardin's content analysis was used for the interpretation of this information. The theoretical-methodological assumptions and the research results, based on the reports from the professors and the adult/elderly academics surveyed, allowed us to conclude that the educational practices developed at UMA's Dianópolis campus, in the State of Tocantins, constitute reference practices for a life of quality and well-being in old age. UMA thus becomes an educational practice alternative for reducing social exclusion in the old age of the Tocantinenses, with the main facilitator being the execution of educational intervention projects focused on life, self-care, and the exercise of citizenship. It is concluded that it is through education that these elderly individuals will be able to change the course of their lives and build this cycle with quality and dignity. It is understood that this program can be considered a model to be followed, as a large part of the public policies regarding the right to education for older persons are being implemented. It was noted that the University fulfills its social function as a Higher Education Institution. It was further concluded that, although the challenge remains, necessary and urgent investments in programs linked to the education of adults/elderly are required to address the real needs of this segment. This calls for a raising of awareness on the part of public authorities and institutions to implement public policies and seek new means, strategies, and educational program alternatives to meet their rights and duties, and contribute to improving the quality of life of these individuals. It is believed that this research is an instrument that can serve as a basis for other scholars in the field, because the arrival of this extension program at UFT signaled a new era of opportunities for older persons in Tocantins, modifying and revolutionizing the existing paradigms.