Physical Education in Primary Education in Portugal: a case study on teaching models

Background and purpose: With a qualitative approach, this case study aimed to characterize the curricular decision-making processes in Physical Education (PE) in the elementary schools teachers involved in different teaching... [ view full abstract ]

Background and purpose: With a qualitative approach, this case study aimed to characterize the curricular decision-making processes in Physical Education (PE) in the elementary schools teachers involved in different teaching models at a school grouping in the district of Aveiro (Portugal).

Methods: The qualitative methodology involved questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to 7 teachers (2 generalist teachers, 2 generalists who received support from PE teachers and 3 were PE teachers who acted as supporting assistants).  The data were analyzed in terms of content analysis.

Results: We highlight the contributions of the supporting assistants for the promotion of regular practice to students and for the qualification in the experience of these and of the generalist teachers. Among teachers with a lower perception of competence and confidence to teach PE, the support of PE specialists proved to be an important means of professional development, in addition to improving the quality and regularity of the intervention;Through the exchange of knowledge it was possible to enhance the knowledge of the different professionals involved, in a collaborative way. PE teachers collaborated with the technical and specific knowledge of the area, together with the knowledge about the students and a more holistic approach to learning, by the generalist teachers; Among the generalist teachers, despite having demonstrated a link with PE and a great perception of competence, evidenced the low status of the area in the real curriculum of basic education. Conclusions and implications: Collaborative projects, leading to professional improvement and harnessing of human resources can contribute to the sustainability of PE in the curriculum of all students.The exchange of knowledge between PE teachers and generalist teachers presents itself as an interesting alternative for the sustainability of the PE in the curriculum at the basic education, in order to guarantee the quality and the specificity of PE.