Critical Environmental Education mediated by music: an experience with elementary school students

Abstract

In this article, we describe an experience in the field of action research, as one of the academic activities carried out within the scope of the doctorate in teaching, where we propose the use of music as a strategy to raise awareness of environmental issues specific to the place where the school is located. One of the serious environmental problems in the region is the filling of the lagoon located near the school. Data were collected in a focus group, formed by students in the 2nd year of a public school, located in Olinda (PE, Brazil). The objective of the action research was to investigate the contribution that music can provide to students, seeking to raise their awareness of environmental issues and problems. The investigative activity of this action research fits into the qualitative and phenomenological perspectives. The analysis of the students' narratives pointed to an increase in awareness regarding the environmental problems of the lagoon and its surroundings. We believe that the use of ecological music in the school space and in the classroom awakens the students' sensitivity to the conservation of the environment and, consequently, to the life of the lagoon.