The tutors perceptions of a Federal University about its labor practice

Abstract

The aim of this study is toidentify and analyze the perceptions about the practice of tutors who work in distance learning courses offered by the Distance Teaching Bureau of the Federal University of Espírito Santo. Content Analysis (BARDIN, 1977) has been used as a research tool to understand how teaching is reinterpreted in this educational modality, taking into account the peculiarities of pedagogical practice mediated in the virtual environment, which has as basic characteristic the development of teaching and learning process with the occupation of space and time for many teachers and students. Therefore,the research questions were placed in order to understand the imagery of the study participants about mentoring and tutorial work process itself. Moreover, aspects related to the approximation and the distance of the functions of teacher and tutor in the context of distance education here investigatedhave been raised, which are based on the assumptions of the Open University System of Brazil, on the necessary skills to performthe tutorials functions,and on the strengths and areas for improvement. It was found,through the analysis of legislation and official documents, as well as from the statements of the interviewed subjects, the teaching character of the tutor of distance learning courses. However, they showed up relevant issues that require the indicationof possible solutions, for example, the fragility of the work relationshipfor tutors, the low pay and the lack of recognition of teaching characteristic for this professional of education.