André Freitas

Prof. Dr. André Freitas

Institute of Education, Lusófona University (ULHT), Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

10Years (2017-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 February 2023 in Education Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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JMJoão Filipe Matos
João Filipe Matos
João PiedadeJoão Piedade
João Piedade
AFAndré Freitas
André Freitas
NPNeuza Pedro
Neuza Pedro
Nuno DoroteaNuno Dorotea
Nuno Dorotea
CGCarla Galego
Carla Galego
This study aims to contribute to understanding of the state of the art regarding the pedagogical cultures associated with teaching and learning research methods in advanced studies education through the identification of trends and pitfalls. The rationale behind this objective is the recognition that most of the research in education comes from academic programmes, in particular master’s and doctoral programmes, which generally include research methods as components. A systematic literature review was adopted as the research methodology, following the PRISMA model. Three stages of article selection were implemented, resulting in the selection of 68 studies out of an initial set of 3631 articles found in the main journal databases. Three specific dimensions were addressed: (i) methodological knowledge, (ii) research competencies, and (iii) pedagogical practices in teaching research methods in education programmes. The results illustrate the complexity of the subject. Learners are constantly reported to hold negative attitudes towards research methods courses, apparently due to instructors’ pedagogical difficulties, which translate into restricted understandings of methodological knowledge. Several misunderstandings between learners and teachers are identified which call for action towards the construction of a research-based scientific culture that will lead to inclusive pedagogical practices in which teachers and learners act as researchers.

8 June 2023 in Social Sciences
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Journal Article
Open access
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JMJoão Filipe Matos
João Filipe Matos
AFAndré Freitas
André Freitas
EEElsa Estrela
Elsa Estrela
CGCarla Galego
Carla Galego
João PiedadeJoão Piedade
João Piedade
This paper aims to identify and discuss what constitutes a research-based pedagogical culture in teaching research methods courses in master’s and doctoral programs in education. The discussion draws on empirical results of a set of five focus group interviews with teachers responsible for teaching research methods courses in educational programs in higher education institutions in Portugal. Data are analyzed and interpreted within a situated learning framework that acknowledges the relevance of creating social learning spaces which accommodate the variety of students. The article closes with a characterization of what could be a research-based pedagogical culture in teaching research methods in advanced studies in education in the near future.

18 December 2020 in Education Sciences
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Journal Article
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AFAndré Freitas
André Freitas
FPFátima Pereira
Fátima Pereira
PNPaulo Nogueira
Paulo Nogueira
In light of ongoing controversies concerning expressive arts education in Portuguese primary schools, the life history of one primary-school teacher who lives and works in the city of Porto (Portugal) is the starting point for problematizing this issue from the perspective of lived experiences. Data collection comprises oral reports, visual materials, and emotional accounts. Feelings were shared in a relational environment framed by ethical commitments. Through these processes, it was possible to create a narrative within the framework of a biographical narrative research approach. The main purpose was to highlight the voice of one primary-school teacher whose life history is blended with the foundations and practices of artistic expression in basic education—such as language, communication, knowledge, and lived experiences—making it an important starting point for reconceptualizing expressive arts education. The results showed that this reconceptualization can be achieved through three dimensions: seducing people, mediating places, and governing senses.

1 January 2024 in Open Education Studies
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Journal Article
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AFAndré Freitas
André Freitas
JMJoão Filipe Matos
João Filipe Matos
JPJoão Piedade
João Piedade
VTVitor Duarte Teodoro
Vitor Duarte Teodoro
RDRosa Serradas Duarte
Rosa Serradas Duarte
Despite the several mismatches of methodological understanding between teachers and students in higher education, research methodologies in education are a relatively common pedagogical practice in most European advanced courses in education. However, only some studies have shown what pedagogical practices are mobilised by the teachers with their specific scientific conceptions. This article presents and discusses the results of an extensive research study conducted in Portugal with all the teachers involved in teaching research methodologies on master’s and doctoral programmes in education. The results show the personal and professional characteristics of the teachers involved in this teaching and the type of senses, decisions, and challenges experienced when teaching research methodologies. The study identifies and characterises the research culture generated by the different pedagogical practices in this scientific field. Based on the results, we argue that the teachers’ scientific conceptions and pedagogical practices may be developed by a “peer authorial construction of research understanding,” aiming to provide appropriate educational experiences to students in research methodologies courses in advanced studies in education.

26 February 2025 in Professional Development in Education
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AFAndré Freitas
André Freitas
FPFátima Pereira
Fátima Pereira
PNPaulo Nogueira
Paulo Nogueira

1 February 2024 in London Review of Education
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Journal Article
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LDLeanete Thomas Dotta
Leanete Thomas Dotta
AFAndré Freitas
André Freitas
RSRita Tavares de Sousa
Rita Tavares de Sousa
The Covid-19 pandemic strongly impacted most areas of human life, including research. Many of the studies in this period had to adapt to the limitations caused by the regulations and restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic. Qualitative research occupies a relevant position in the field of educational research. The common feature of this type of research is the close relationship between researchers and participants. This element was called into question, with digital tools having emerged as a promising solution for data collection. An intensification of the use of digital tools for data collection in qualitative research calls for a careful analysis and reflection concerning their strengths and weaknesses. The aim of this article is to analyse the methodological aspects of qualitative data collection through a systematic literature review, focusing on the use of digital tools in the context of educational studies during the pandemic. The main results highlight the increased significance of technology-mediated data collection in educational research post-Covid-19, with the USA leading in publications. Predominantly, current studies focus on teachers’ perceptions and practices, underscoring the multifaceted nature of teaching. Interviews, often conducted via video calls or videoconferencing, were the most common data collection method. The transition from face-to-face to technology-mediated data collection in these studies shows the limited discussion of implications or ethical issues. This article provides insights into the use of technology-mediated tools, contributing to the advancement of methodological knowledge in times of crisis when the traditional use of qualitative data collection methods is compromised.