Emotionality in the post-pandemic primary physical education classroom

Abstract

The pandemic has caused different consequences in the education and health of schoolchildren, psychological effects being one of the most worrying. The school and especially Physical Education teachers are called on to play an important role in the emotional support of schoolchildren. The aim of this study is to analyze the perceptions of elementary school Physical Education teachers regarding the emotional environment during the return to face-to-face classes. The convenience sample consisted of 12 physical education teachers who worked in elementary schools and were active during the virtual and post-pandemic years. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data regarding gender equality and years of experience. The stories emerge categories associated with emotionality in the classroom, the learning gap, the importance of teacher-student interaction, specialized emotional support, effective communication and emotional regulation. Teachers enhance the commitment in the containment and evaluation of the socio-emotional and psychological state of the students, in addition to ensuring the incorporation of methodologies that consider emotional work. Inside the classroom, teachers recognize the importance of affectivity and motivation in their didactic deployment, promoting learning through a healthy class climate.