Abstract
This study explores the reasons why students drop out from a public secondary school in Brazil, paying particular attention to within-school reasons. The theoretical point of view adopted in this research is that which considers that human nature is dialectical and education can be an instrument in the struggle to change reality. So, critical consciousness and 'resistance' must be mobilised through the pedagogical process and dialogue is one way of achieve them. The study was undertaken with dropouts, continuing students, staff, teachers and parents from a secondary school in Florianopolis - SC - Brazil. Data about drop out were gathered through different techniques such as interviews, questionnaires, participant observation, meetings and group discussions. The analysis of the data involved several meetings and group discussions with continuing students, teachers and staff, which emphasised the dialogue technique as a way of developing critical consciousness. Participatory research, which comprises the research process (social investigation) with educational activities through actions designed to deal with a specific problem was the methodological approach adopted in this research. However, for reasons such as time constraints and temporary distance between the research's residence and the school, people's participation in the present research was limited to the period of 15 months in two spells of field work (1989 and 1991-92) and was most significant as an educational activity. Real action to transform reality did not occur although students critical consciousness started to increase.