Resumo

MUJICA R, Henry  e  CORDERO, Rosa. The hydroponic culture of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.): A creative pedagogical experience. Paradìgma [online]. 2008, vol.29, n.2, pp.97-114. ISSN 1011-2251.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of a model for teaching and learning hydroponics culture of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). It was a qualitative, descriptive, hermeneutic study, developed in four phases: (a) preparation, (b) determination of location, (c) field work and (d) analysis and interpretation of data. The location was an agriculture school in Yaracuy, Venezuela. Two 30 pupils, first year senior secondary students were selected during the second half of 2006-2007 term. Key informants were two teachers and 20 randomly selected students. Data was collected through participant observation, interviews and content analysis. Instruments were field notes, questionnaires, recordings and pictures. Data was interpreted through codes and categories. As a result, five categories emerged from teachers and two from students to value this model as a valid alternative in agricultural education.

Palavras-chave : Hydroponic culture; Lettuce; Educational models.