Entre o idealizado e a realidade: aprendizagens na construção da identidade profissional de um professor de Educação Física

Abstract

The Professional School Placement (PI), the final stage of the Master's Degree in Teaching Physical Education in Basic and Secondary Education at the Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto, represented a decisive moment in the construction of my professional identity. Throughout this experience, I applied the knowledge acquired during my initial teacher education, confronting it with the realities of pedagogical practice and the challenges of the school context. This report reflects that learning process, characterised by continuous reflection, adaptation, and professional development. Despite my initial uncertainties regarding the teaching profession, the internship enabled me to develop a clearer understanding of the role of the Physical Education teacher and of their contribution to students' holistic development. The pedagogical intervention was guided by the Sport Education Model (SEM), with the aim of promoting students' autonomy, responsibility, and active engagement in the learning process. In parallel, a research study conducted within a Volleyball teaching unit deepened my reflection on the importance of pedagogical adaptations and modified tasks in fostering students' physical-motor, cognitive, psychological, and social development. Throughout the academic year, I came to understand that there is no single effective way to teach. Continuous observation of students, critical reflection on practice, and the ability to adapt proved essential in responding to the diverse needs of each class while consolidating my pedagogical, interpersonal, and organisational competencies. Finally, this experience reinforced my understanding that Physical Education extends far beyond the development of motor skills, playing a fundamental role in fostering students' autonomy, cooperation, responsibility, and holistic development. The experiences gained throughout the Professional Internship contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth, strengthening my belief that teaching is a continuous process of learning, adaptation, and improvement.