This study sought to ascertain the notions of teachers and students of the nursing course of the State University of Vale do Acaraú regarding teachinglearning methodologies. Data collection took place by means of focus groups of students and teachers and participant observation in classrooms, between June and July 2006. The analysis was guided by hermeneutic-dialectic reference points. The discourse revealed that manifestations of power permeated the pedagogical relationship. Analysis on the divergences and convergences between the discourse revealed that the divergences were within the epistemological field while the convergences came from daily practices. It was inferred that there is a need to incorporate active methodologies and a relationship of dialogue that makes it possible to overcome the established power and the dissonance between theory and practice.
Higher education; Nursing education; Teaching-learning methodologies
