Semantic waves: variation of semantic codes in chemistry clas-ses

Abstract

This study seeks to build semantic profiles from the concept of semantic gravity present in one of the dimensions of the Legitimation Code Theory (LCT). The data for this analysis were obtained during chemistry classes with high school students and their categorizations were made from different semantic levels related to chemical knowledge and the contextualization/decontextualization relationships present in the school discourse. The results indicate that the intention of the material allowed the movements between the semantic levels present in the speech and the analysis revealed different variations in the semantic profiles during classes with the formation of semantic waves, which make it possible to observe the construction of knowledge over time, from so that it is still necessary to improve strategies to enhance student learning.