In Search of Training Gestures: What Regularities can be observed when Teaching how to Teach Written Production?

Based on an empirical research on teacher training practices in Switzerland that brings together 28 training sequences on written production, this paper proposes an overview of the professional gestures that trainers develop while preparing future teachers. Six major professional gestures organize the dynamics of the observed trainer’s formation and action. Two gestures take place outside the classroom: planning and evaluating of the training work. Four gestures take place during the implementation of sequences in the teacher’s presence: conceptualizing of writing and of teaching and learning; mobilization of practices and experiences of written production at class; equipping with resources and tools for the teaching of writing; regulating of teachers’ learning and practices. This paper brings examples to illustrate the trainer’s action on the mastering of the written production. The results showed the importance of the trainer’s action to develop the necessary professional skills for the written production teaching. Keywords: Teacher training practices. Training sequences. Written production. Professional gestures.