HERITAGE EDUCATION AND GEOGRAPHY TEACHING: PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF JOÃO PESSOA AND AT THE INGÁ-PB ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Abstract

This article analyzes the relevance of heritage education, concepts of heritage, and cultural tourism within the context of Geography teaching in basic education. Based on qualitative field research—specifically an account of a pedagogical experience (action research)—the study describes and reflects upon a project carried out in 2026 with classes from the Integrated Technical High School program at the Presidente João Goulart State School in João Pessoa, Paraíba. The methodological approach included lectures, diagnostic dialogues, and guided field trips to the Historic Center of João Pessoa and the Ingá Archaeological Site (Itacoatiaras). The results demonstrate that direct student engagement with tangible and intangible historical-cultural heritage significantly expanded theoretical knowledge beyond the textbook, strengthening community identity and the students' perception of themselves as active historical-geographic agents. Furthermore, the study identified an urgent need for environmental conservation and tourism infrastructure improvements at the Ingá Archaeological Site to address the degrading physicochemical factors affecting the Pedra do Ingá (Ingá Stone).