A EDUCAÇÃO FINANCEIRA COMO FERRAMENTA DE INCENTIVO AO EMPREENDEDORISMO: UMA ABORDAGEM PRÁTICA NOS ANOS FINAIS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL

Abstract

This study, developed in the field of Mathematics Education, investigates the contribution of Financial Education (FE), integrated with the teaching of Financial Mathematics (FM) and entrepreneurship, to the development of critical, autonomous, and contextualized competencies in students in the final years of Elementary School. The research was conducted in a private school located in Cidade Ocidental, Goiás (Brazil), involving 105 students from 6th to 9th grade. The methodology adopted was the application of a twelve-week pedagogical workshop — eight weeks of theoretical content and four of practical activities — culminating in the implementation of an Entrepreneurial Fair. The contents addressed included simple interest, percentage, profit, discount, and entrepreneurial attitudes, using didactic materials such as the Oficina de Negócios series, the 9th grade Mathematics textbook, and the Youth Entrepreneur Activity Booklet by Sebrae. Students planned and simulated the creation of businesses, engaging in activities such as product development, expense control, and sales strategies. The results, analyzed through observation, questionnaires, and financial performance spreadsheets, revealed significant progress in students' understanding of mathematical concepts, development of entrepreneurial skills, and appreciation of Mathematics in everyday contexts. The students demonstrated greater awareness of financial planning, teamwork, and responsible decision-making, as well as increased engagement in Mathematics classes and enhanced critical thinking regarding consumption, saving, and work. It is concluded that the integration of Financial Education, Financial Mathematics, and entrepreneurship, through active methodologies, enhances meaningful learning and prepares students for the social and economic challenges of the 21st century, in alignment with the BNCC and the new ENEF guidelines.