O Desafio de Ensinar: Entre a Teoria e a Prática no Ensino da Educação Física

Abstract

This Practicum report, developed within the scope of the Master's Degree in Teaching Physical Education in Primary and Secondary Education at the Faculty of Sports of the University of Porto, reflects the experience gained throughout the academic year as a trainee teacher. This training path represented a defining moment in my professional development, allowing me a first direct contact with the school reality and enabling the practical application of the knowledge acquired throughout my academic training. The main focus of this report is on the challenges encountered in teaching different sports and the impact of teacher knowledge on student learning and engagement. Through a comparative analysis of sports in which I am more proficient, such as dance and volleyball, and others in which I feel less comfortable, such as basketball and handball, I sought to understand how the level of teacher knowledge and confidence influences the dynamics of the class, teacher motivation and their progress. To this end, I used a logbook throughout the internship, where I recorded reflections on the classes taught, difficulties experienced, innovative strategies and students' perceptions of my approach. The internship proved to be a constant challenge, requiring continuous adaptation and the search for strategies to overcome pedagogical and relational difficulties. Interaction with students, class management and the need to find ways to transmit knowledge were fundamental aspects of this experience. Furthermore, the comparison between different modalities allowed me to reflect on the importance of preparation and deepening technical knowledge in building a teaching identity and promoting meaningful learning. This report not only documents my development as a trainee teacher but also presents a critical reflection on pedagogical practice and the teacher's impact on student learning. In this way, it reinforces the importance of continuous training and self-reflection in teaching, allowing me to gain valuable insights for my future career as a teacher.