This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the current state of zoology teaching in Brazil,
based on 65 Master's dissertations and Doctoral theses spanning the period from 1995 to 2022.
The survey of these theses aims to understand potential temporal and geographical trends and
their main focuses. The study highlights a notable increase in academic production in the last
five years, especially in 2019 and 2020, indicating a growing interest in the field. The Southeast
region leads in the number of productions, followed by the Northeast, revealing geographical
disparities in research within this domain. The analysis indicates that the majority of research
was conducted in public institutions, emphasizing the crucial role of the state in promoting
scientific production. Research from these theses on zoology teaching predominantly focuses
on high school, with over half of the studies investigating students' conceptions and perceptions,
providing valuable insights into the educational needs of this group. The significant growth of
Professional Master's programs since 2016 suggests a more equitable distribution of research
across the country. However, there is a notable absence of doctoral research in the area, pointing
to possible structural or interest-related challenges at this academic level. The qualitative
analysis of abstracts reveals that research also explores different educational environments,
with almost half taking place in 'non-formal' settings. This diversified approach demonstrates
the importance given to the use of spaces such as museums and science centers to enhance
zoology teaching. In summary, this study not only provides an overview of the current
landscape of zoology teaching in Brazil but also highlights areas of emphasis and gaps in
research, contributing to future educational strategies and more informed and effective public
policies.
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