Prospective Teachers' Perceptions and Training Needs In Environmental and Social Studies: Implications For Scientific and Digital Literacy

This exploratory study analyses the perceptions, interests and training needs of 39 future teachers of the 1st Cycle of Basic Education regarding the teaching of Environmental Studies. Through a mixed methodology, using the Mentimeter platform, the data reveal a predominantly environmental and naturalistic conception of the Curricular Unit “Didactics of the Study of the Environment in the 1st Cycle of Basic Education” (61.5% of the as-sociations), a high level of interest (94.7% of positive responses) and con-cerns focused on the management of complex issues and the mastery of spe-cific contents. The results show a highly motivated group, but one aware of its limitations, particularly in scientific depth and in managing sensitive topics. The study suggests the need to strengthen scientific and digital liter-acy in initial teacher training, promoting a more integrated and multidimen-sional view of the Study of the Environment.