Professional communities as educational spaces: insights into Projeto Creche

Abstract

This study aims to characterize the learning context of the Projeto Creche during the first three years. This project brings together childhood educators and academics around issues related to childhood education. To accomplish this central objective, first it is outlined a theoretical framework about professional communities and, later, it is analyzed the specific case of the project. Through the reports written about the meetings of the group and participants’ written reflections, it is possible to identify and characterize activities, member’s roles, interpersonal relationships established in the group, and individual views on the experience provided by the Projeto Creche. Finally, all the identified dynamics (activities, roles and interpersonal relationships) are discussed in the light of what scientific literature informs about professional communities.