Como funciona um curso de graduação em geologia? Estrutura a partir de percepções discentes

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine a structure of variables which describe the operating conditions of the Undergraduate Course in Geology at the Federal University of Ceará - UFC, within a framework of perceptions from the students’ viewpoint. To that end, an assessment with 22 closed questions was made, answered with a scale of four degrees of perception, from negative to positive. The questions were organized into five dimensions of evaluation. The responses from 76 questionnaires enabled the characterization of the dimensions Faculty, Technical and Administrative Staff and Curriculum general characteristics as strengths, whereas the dimension Infrastructure, and Curriculum aspects such as class schedules and opportunities for scholarships and internships were considered weaknesses. An exploratory factor analysis identified four constructs related to these perceptions, involving 15 variables: Coordination; Student Progression; Teaching and Coexistence Infrastructure; Professional Training. Among these, the Student Progression factor proved to be central in the structure of relationships, working together with all the other constructs and some variables excluded from the factor analysis. These relationships allowed the identification and suggestion of key parameters or indicators that provide measures for the monitoring of the processes and the improvement of the course.