Libras, educação de surdos e inclusão na formação de estudantes de magistério: práticas formativas e produções pedagógicas com o apoio do design thinking

Abstract

Applied Linguistics, by articulating language, education, and human development, has contributed to critical reflections on pedagogical practices related to Deaf Education. In the context of the deaf community, studies indicate that limited contact with Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) and the absence of specific studies in teacher education programs hinder the development of effective and situated school mediations. Although Brazilian legislation recognizes Libras and mandates its inclusion in teacher education, challenges still persist regarding its teaching and learning - both as a second language for speakers of oral languages and as a first language for deaf individuals. In this context, the study investigated the development of an additional training course aimed at secondary-level teacher education students, structured through educational design thinking. A qualitative approach and a participatory research design enabled the analysis of questionnaires and productions developed in formative laboratories. The training served as a pathway that expanded students’ understanding of Libras, deafness, and deaf education, while also enhancing their pedagogical and linguistic practices. The participants’ productions - including bimodal digital books, activities using the manual alphabet, educational games in Libras, and interdisciplinary proposals - demonstrated the articulation between theory and practice and the potential of this training to foster teaching practices more attentive to the presence of sign language in schools.