Physical Education in and after the pandemic. Journeys, challenges and aspirations of physical educators from Mexico

Abstract

This research seeks to analyze the impact of the pandemic and the isolation experienced by Basic Education students during Physical Education (PE) classes and the needs specific to the Mexican context based on the narratives of physical educators from Mexico. This qualitative study employs a biographical-narrative approach and written professional accounts from 26 physical educators. The pandemic and isolation led to issues such as motor skills delay, apathy toward physical activity, overweight and obesity, which were more pronounced in urban contexts than in rural ones. Additionally, deficiencies in socioemotional and communicative skills were observed in both contexts. The study concludes that a comprehensive, inclusive, contextualized, alternative, authentic, socio-critical and sustainable Physical Education is necessary to foster a culture of care.