Biology teaching and the history and philosophy of science: a qualitative analysis of academic research made in Brazil (1983-2013)

Abstract This study aimed to qualitatively analyze the dissertations and theses about Biology Teaching that have focus on the History and Philosophy of Science, produced between 1983 and 2013 in order to point out the work of both these contributions to teaching and research. The descriptors considered for the analysis were author, advisor, year of defense, degree (master’s or doctorate), postgraduate program, university, content theme, level of education and thematic research. Eighty six papers on the topic were found, the first being defended in 1983. After reading the papers they were classified into seven educational themes: analysis of textbooks, proposals education, conceptions of students, conceptions of teachers, teacher training, curriculum and contributions of History and Philosophy of Biology for teaching.