An Analysis of National Physical Education Curriculum Initiatives in Brazil

Authors

  • Carla Vidoni University of Louisville
  • Osvaldo Luiz Ferraz University of Sao Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2019-V76-I5-9201

Keywords:

sical education curriculum, multiculturalism, Brazilian education, PE curriculum guidelines

Abstract

This study examines how curriculum in physical education (PE) in Brazil has evolved in the last 20 years. Since the beginning of the 20th century, PE in the Brazilian schools has been influenced by different conceptual, political, philosophical, scientific, and pedagogical trends. The most influential trends were originated from medical field, military, sports, and pedagogical philosophies. This analysis process consists of (a) a review of the Brazilian PE historical perspective, (b) an overview of the scope of national curriculum guidelines established between 1997 and 2017, and (c) a description and reflection of the transition from national guidelines to a recently established compulsory national curriculum. The findings suggest that the evolution of PE in Brazil resulted in significant positive changes in terms of inclusiveness, cultural diversity, and the expansion of the content using the concept of culture of the body. Multiculturalism, although still a challenge, was indeed considered in the former recommended guidelines and the current compulsory curriculum document.

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Author Biographies

Carla Vidoni, University of Louisville

Associate professor in the Department of Health & Sport Sciences in the College of Education & Human Development at University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Osvaldo Luiz Ferraz, University of Sao Paulo

Professor in the School of Physical Education and Sport at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Published

2019-12-03

Issue

Section

Articles