Being a manager in higher education institutions: the ex graduation coordinators perception on their management learning

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the experience of ex-coordinators of graduation course in different institutions of higher education in Brazil. To find out the perspectives of the respondents on such questioning, a phenomenological study was developed. For this work, seven course managers were investigated. These managers are teachers trained in several areas of knowledge and who have become coordinators of some graduation course. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The analysis of the data aimed to describe and interpret based on the reports acquired as it occurred the learning of those investigated throughout their trajectory in their institutions. That is, what contents and forms of managerial learning were acquired by them during their managerial trajectories, what challenges and overruns were present in the daily work of managerial work. As results it can be verified that the managerial learning is dynamic and that involves different factors, be they formal or informal and that the managers learn daily in the exercise of its managements. This research hopes to contribute and strengthen the study scenario on management learning in Higher Education Institutions in Brazil and to build a knowledge framework so that teachers have access to become managers of an undergraduate course.