Context knowledge in the initial training in physical education

Abstract

Pedagogical content knowledge is conceived as responsible for transforming the content knowledge of teachers in knowledge teachable and understandable by students in different contexts of teaching and learning. Considering this assumption, and supported in the proposals of the literature, this theoretical study examined how knowledge about classroom (micro context), school (meso context) and community (macro context) participate in the construction of pedagogical content knowledge of prospective teachers, and in training programs in Physical Education. The information reviewed suggests that knowledge about meso and macro contexts, although very important, do not have meaningful participation in the construction of pedagogical content knowledge for prospective teachers, and is not clearly contemplated as a goal for the initial training in Physical Education, neither by literature of the field, nor by their own training programs. In line with the studies reviewed, we suggested that teachers-trainers, during initial training, stimulate reflection, sensitivity and criticality of prospective teachers about the influence of meso and macro contexts in planning, implementation, and management of teaching practices, in interaction with and in learning and training of students. We believe, therefore, are enlarged the possibilities of construction and development of the context knowledge and, consequently, the pedagogical content knowledge for prospective Physical Education teachers, qualifying their academic, teaching and professional training.