The promotion and teaching of deep and visible thinking skills in Physical Education sessions in Primary Education

Abstract

A competence-based education model for 21st century requires to develop critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. A principal objective of a quality curriculum is teaching to think effectively to develop deep learnings. Several methodologies and strategies can promote deeper learnings in schools, as the visible thinking approach. In light of this, the present study aims to explore teachers' perceptions of the promotion and teaching of thinking in Physical Education (PE) in Primary Education. The research involved a qualitative phenomenological design that employed semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of experienced teachers linked to Primary Education level. Overall, teachers consider it necessary to strengthen the thinking of the students in EF, although sometimes it is not given much importance due to the negative legacy of the area, the lack of teacher training and the insecurity of the teaching staff. The majority of teachers reported that they were unaware of the visible thinking approach. This approach could become a global framework to promote a culture of thinking in EF.  Therefore, the article finishes with recommendations to introduce the visible thinking approach into EF sessions.