40 Years of the Basic Law: Lusófona University debates the future of education

On 30 October, Lusófona University - Porto University Centre hosted the seminar “40 Years of the Basic Law on the Education System: Between Legacy and Possible Futures”, an initiative organised by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development (CeiED).

Four decades after the publication of the framework legislation governing education in Portugal, the event provided a space for critical reflection and debate on the challenges currently facing state schools, bringing together different perspectives on teaching professionals and possible future scenarios for the education system. Throughout the day, the programme featured contributions from José Manuel Castro, Joaquim Azevedo, Licínio Lima, Rui Trindade and Elsa Estrela, who addressed key areas such as qualifications and social justice, democratic schooling, school governance and autonomy, and curriculum development. The programme also included a presentation by Filomena Parada, based on the findings of the Portuguese study carried out as part of the EDU-LAB project.

According to Alcina Martins, Director of the Master's Degree in Education Sciences and organiser of the event, the seminar arose from the intention to assess the state of education and the knowledge built since the April Revolution, whose leaders helped rebuild the country's education system. Rather than seeking definitive conclusions, she emphasised that the main aim was to foster “epistemological debate and the development of ideas capable of driving tangible improvements in education”. She also stressed the “need for continuous co-construction between universities and schools, where teachers' practical experience and scientific research come together to transform teaching practices and establish higher education as a genuine meeting point for the entire educational community”.

Along the same lines, Joaquim Azevedo argued that a paradigm shift in Portuguese schools is urgently needed if they are to fulfil their democratic vocation. The lecturer emphasised the importance of education based on a model of care, in which every student is encouraged to develop as a unique individual. He also warned that the current system is excessively focused on quantitative results and appearances. In his view, meeting the demands of contemporary education requires stronger collaboration and teamwork among teachers, as well as closer cooperation with local communities and strategic partners, such as local authorities.

Elsa Estrela also highlighted that examining the 40 years of the Basic Law on the Education System makes it possible not only to assess the evolution of public policies, but also to consider the curriculum as a dynamic space for innovation and social inclusion. She therefore noted that the seminar provided a valuable opportunity to bring academic reflection into dialogue with the voices of schools.

The initiative concluded in Porto a national series of debates that had previously taken place in Lisbon, at the University of Madeira and in Évora. The seminar reaffirmed Lusófona University's commitment to applied research, collaborative networks and the sustainable transformation of education policies in Portugal.

View the event photographs on Lusófona University's Facebook page

Credits

Text, Video Editing and Photography
Helena Gonçalves

Event Coverage
Helena Gonçalves
Sara Tello
Susana Oliveira