Significados del profesorado de Educación Física sobre la Formación Ciudadana Meanings of Physical Education teachers about Civic Education

The concept of Civic Education (CE) has been established as an essential and cross-cutting purpose in the educational systems of Latin America. Consequently, it is pertinent to enhance the understanding of the potential of school Physical Education (PE) as an opportunity for cultivating active and democratic citizenship. Using a comprehensive-interpretive approach, this qualitative study examines the meanings of CE held by PE educators in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Through in-depth interviews and discussion groups, it delves into meanings that encompass nuances of traditional models rooted in Civic Education and a deliberative model based on active and democratic CE. The results underscore the significance of PE in nurturing the ethical and social dimension of the entire educational community. Furthermore, healthy citizens emerge as a purpose of PE. In conclusion, PE can be oriented towards a traditional or democratizing civic education based on the pedagogical intent established by its teaching staff.