MICROSCOPY AS A TEACHING-LEARNING TOOL IN PARASITOLOGY

AN EXPERIENCE REPORT FROM THE PARASITOLOGY EXTENSION PROJECT (PEP)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Parasitology plays a fundamental role in the education of health professionals, especially with regard to understanding the morphological and diagnostic characteristics of parasites. In this context, optical microscopy stands out as an important pedagogical tool, as it enables the integration of theory and practice in the teaching–learning process. This study aims to report the experience of a microscopy workshop developed within the scope of the Parasitology Extension Project (PEP), carried out during the 10th Biomedicine Meeting at Centro Universitário Fanor Wyden, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, structured based on active methodologies and laboratory practices. The activity was organized into two stages: an interactive game of symptomatic investigation and a practical microscopy class with the analysis of parasitological slides. The results showed high participant engagement, greater understanding of parasitic structures, and strengthening of technical skills related to microscope use. It is concluded that the workshop significantly contributed to improving the teaching–learning process in Parasitology, in addition to reinforcing the relevance of extension activities in the academic and professional training of students in the health field.

Keywords: Teaching–learning; University extension; Active methodologies; Optical microscopy; Parasitology.