An opinion survey that teaches: a new methodology for a new school.

Developed by the Paulo Montenegro Institute in another partnership with the non-governmental organization Ação Educativa, the project "Our school surveys your opinion" promotes the pedagogical use of the opinion surveys by some schools of the public school system.

Teaching methodologies based on public opinion surveys makes work in school more dynamic, bringing benefits to both students and teachers. For example, it allows interdisciplinary projects involving several teachers, the school as a whole and the community in which it is based.

The objective is not to train up potential researchers, but to stimulate the student to become the author of his own learning. The teacher is also valued as central to the pedagogical process. By participating in "Our school surveys your opinion" teachers receive the necessary training to plan and carry out teaching projects that use research, together with the students.

Pilot projects
The efficacy of the opinion survey as a pedagogical instrument was established by pilot projects carried out in public schools in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo throughout the year 2000

Multiplying centers
After these initial and successful experiences, the Institute set up four multiplying centers to guide new projects in the States of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Sul. By 2002, 66 research projects were carried out in 29 schools, with the participation of 95 teachers and about 6,000 students.

IBOPE UNESCO Congress: exchanging and expanding ideas
Held for the first time in 2002, the meeting geared to professionals in education, universities, public and private schools, non-governmental organizations governmental institutes and others interested in the pedagogical use of the opinion survey. The objective was to disseminate the methodology of "Our school surveys your opinion" and annually promote an exchange of experiences.

Teachers` handbook: the key to the project
This publication explains, step by step, how to use the opinion survey in the classroom and presents projects that can serve as inspiration to teachers and students.