Physical literacy journey of physical education and classroom teachers: A community of practice experience

Physical literacy (PL) and physical education (PE) are intertwined, compatible constructs and one of the main aims of PE should be to develop individuals into PE learners. PL and school physical education are intertwined and coherent structures, and one of the main objectives of each PE class should be to develop individuals' PL. The relative lack of teachers' understanding and practice of PL provides a rationale for the creation of in-service training opportunities. This study aims to understand teachers' knowledge and understanding of the concept of PL and its six key characteristics through a community of professional (COP) experience for physical education teachers (PET) and classroom teachers (CT). In the study, a COP consisting of eight PET and CT was formed and teachers participated in meetings on PL for six weeks. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The themes of the study were shaped around motivation, confidence and physical competence, interaction with the environment, sense of self and self-confidence, self-expression and relationships with others, knowledge and understanding, awareness of PL, knowledge about PL, reflections of PL on professional and personal life, and factors that facilitate and hinder the dissemination of PL in schools. Accordingly, it can be stated that teachers have learned about the concept of PL and its six key characteristics. As a result, this study reveals that teachers enriched their knowledge and understanding of PL and increased their awareness through COP.