Trabalho de conclusão de curso e a pandemia de COVID-19: dificuldades enfrentadas por licenciandos em Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Ceará

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the difficulties faced in the preparation of the Course Conclusion Paper by Undergraduates in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Ceará in the 2020 academic year. Furthermore, it was intended to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences impacted this process and also understand how the supervisors acted in this context. To this end, the survey is characterized as qualitative and as a data collection instrument, a semi-structured self-completed questionnaire was used, sent to the participants via e-mail. For the construction of the questionnaire, other works with similar themes were consulted, and based on their analysis, seven categories of difficulties were pre-established, present in the questionnaire as questions. During the analysis of the data obtained, it was possible to identify a large association of difficulties related to the technical production of the work and psychological issues. In addition, it was noticed that the pandemic generated or intensified preexisting problems associated with the mental health of the participants. As for guidance, the fundamental role in the production of the TCC was highlighted, which can impact both positively and negatively in the process. Finally, the present work brings important contributions to the understanding of the monographic production in this pandemic period, thus being able to support preventive actions regarding the highlighted difficulties.