Entre desafios e recomeços: práticas docentes e permanência de estudantes da EJAI em Tabatinga-AM

Abstract

The general objective of this academic research is to investigate the challenges faced by students in Youth, Adult, and Elderly Education (EJAI) throughout their educational and social journeys. The specific objectives are as follows: to identify the main challenges faced by EJAI teachers; to understand how teaching practices influence student motivation and retention within EJAI; to analyze the pedagogical practices developed by EJAI teachers within the teaching-learning process; and to reflect on the social and educational impacts of EJAI on the lives of the research participants. Given the challenges inherent to this educational modality—particularly within the Amazonian and borderland contexts—the study seeks to analyze the pedagogical strategies developed by teachers and their contribution to strengthening students' bonds with the school. This qualitative study, conducted between August 2025 and April 2026, employed both a literature review and field research. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews featuring open-ended questions with a diverse group of participants, including teachers, pedagogical staff, school administrators, and EJAI students. These interviews provided insight into the perceptions and experiences of the various individuals involved in the educational process. Data analysis was grounded in the work of Arroyo (2017), Costa (2023), Freire (1987, 1989, 1996, 2023), Lima, Souza, Oliveira & Souza (2017), Vygotsky (2017), Araújo (2025), and Negreiros (2025). Furthermore, this was carried out based on the triangulation analysis method proposed by Marcondes and Brisola (2014). The research results highlight that teaching practices grounded in dialogue, a welcoming atmosphere, respect for students' life trajectories, and the contextualization of content contribute significantly to student motivation, engagement, and retention in school. Moreover, participants' accounts underscore the importance of the teacher-student relationship, an inclusive school environment, and the recognition of the specific characteristics of young people, adults, and the elderly in strengthening the teaching-learning process. Finally, the study reveals that the work of educators plays a fundamental role in reducing school dropout rates and promoting an education that is more meaningful, inclusive, and committed to the realities of EJAI students.