Perceptions of pedagogical practice of physical education teachers in Portugal since 1970s

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse how Physical Education teachers in Portugal organise their lessons, taking into consideration the most valued lesson models. Moreover, we sought to understand the existing relationship between those practices, their experiences, attitudes and the influence of training schools, ie, the existing relationship between pedagogical work and a habitus, seen as a product of history and a defining principle of group and individual practices learned empirically in specific contexts. Based on a qualitative methodology, the study focused on a group of fifteen teachers with varied degrees in Physical Education, who graduated from some of the most distinguished schools in Portugal, for e.g., the National Institute of Physical Education, Colleges of Physical Education, and some of the most famous Portuguese faculties in this field of study established in the early 1990s. We concluded that these teachers defend the use of well structured classes, based on strict planning, not neglecting students’ motivations. Moreover, that the existence of different pedagogical practices (and attitudes) is possible due to different training, to the specific historical context and different experiences, personalities and motivations of each teacher. These differences suggest, therefore, there is a relationship between pedagogical practices and a habitus, which means experiences acquired in different cultural, political and educational environments.