Brazilian educators highlight cultural identity through pedagogical research

In Brazil, academic and pedagogical research is highlighting the importance of cultural identity and bodily practices in education.

Cyndel Nunes Augusto, a doctoral student at the University of São Paulo and a municipal teacher, was recognized by the São Paulo City Council with the 21st Paulo Freire Award for Quality of Municipal Teaching. Her work at the Monteiro Lobato Municipal School of Early Childhood Education explores how physical practices, such as stilt-walking and breaking, can serve as learning experiences for children through cultural dialogue.

In Amapá, research is focusing on the Tia Chiquinha Cultural Space within the Quilombo do Cria-ú. The study examines how the Pedagogy of Batuque and Marabaixo, alongside African and Afro-Brazilian civilizational principles, are utilized to foster identity and anti-racist formation. The research employs an autoethnographic approach to connect community cultural education with the lived experiences of quilombola people.