Les forums virtuels : ressource pour le développement des pratiques et du bien-être des professionnels

Abstract

The study explores whether the primary school teachers’ forum for education professionals (EDP) is a resource that develops the empowerment of participants, and if so, under what conditions (conversion factors - Fernagu-Oudet, 2012 ; Sen, 2001). The power to act is examined from the standpoint of developing practices and well-being. We employed three complementary methods : (1) a questionnaire posted on the EDP forum (eighty participants), (2) nine self-confrontation interviews based on written traces of these discussions, and (3) twenty discussion threads on the forum. A content analysis from the categories proposed by Mollo and Nascimento (2013) was performed (beneficial effects of reflexive activity, and emotional dimension). The results highlight the developmental contribution of exchanges, specifically for the collective development of educational tools, profession rules, and knowledge. The emotional aspect is present in all exchanges. The study also revealed two conversion factors : a) anonymity and b) the presence of a reactive and benevolent community of peers sharing the same practices. The results are discussed in relation to the development of the practices and well-being of professionals, and to the conditions for such a development taking place within schools.

Keywords

• power to act
• virtual exchanges between professionals
• development of practices
• development of well-being
• conversion factors Article soumis le
• accepté le