COMUNIDADE DE PRÁTICA E O DESENVOLVIMENTO PROFISSIONAL DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA EM UMA ESCOLA BRASILEIRA

This research aimed to explore the continuing professional development (CPD) of Physical Education (PE) teachers in a municipal Brazilian school. The investigation was an action research study and the participants included six PE teachers, one facilitator and one critical friend. Data sources included meetings with teachers and between researchers; interviews; and field notes. Results revealed that the community of practice (CoP) could support teachers’ CPD. Teachers essential needs were addressed; the CoP made autonomous decisions and their voice was heard. The support that the CoP provided to teachers was generated by teachers’ own process of building their own practice, with support from their peers and the facilitator while teachers joined in a recently formed community.