Physical Education Graduate Student Socialization in a Research-Focused Master’s Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
Karen Lux Gaudreault ◽  
Kelly L. Simonton ◽  
Angela Simonton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Graduate Student ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Socialization Theory ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Online Discussion Forum ◽  
Student Socialization

Researchers have begun using occupational socialization theory to understand the experiences of physical education teacher education doctoral students and faculty members. Comparatively little work has been done with graduate students pursuing research-focused masters’ degrees. These programs can serve as pipelines into PhD programs and have implications for the process of becoming a faculty member. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in existential phenomenology, this 2-year longitudinal study sought to understand the perspectives of Angela and Kelly as they navigated the master’s degree program. Data were collected through interviews, an online discussion forum, and text message conversations. Data analysis resulted in the construction of three themes and associated subthemes to describe the data. The primary themes included: (a) adjusting to graduate student life, (b) the importance of relationships, and (c) preparing for life after graduate school. Results are discussed using occupational socialization theory, and implications for research and practice are suggested.

Research and Practical Implications of Integrating Autobiographical Essays Into Physical Education Teacher Education

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
Karen Lux Gaudreault ◽  
Wesley J. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Essay Writing ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Education Practice ◽  
Socialization Theory ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Personal Belief

The purpose of this research note is to introduce and overview both the teaching and research applications of autobiographical essay writing. Grounded in occupational socialization theory and teacher reflection, the authors propose that autobiography can be a powerful tool in helping preservice and in-service teachers more deeply reflect on their prior socialization experiences, which may help them to better understand and be willing to critique their personal belief structures. The authors provide an overview of how autobiographical essays have been used and include recommendations for teacher education practice. From a research perspective, the authors argue that autobiographical essays provide a targeted strategy for collecting reflective data on individuals’ background socialization experiences. Such data are critical for socialization scholars who are interested in understanding how teachers’ biographies influence their current teaching beliefs and practices. Applications for physical education-adjacent spaces, including doctoral education, adapted physical education, and elementary education, are also discussed.

Influence of Occupational Socialization on Sport Pedagogy Doctoral Students’ Beliefs and Actions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Richard F. Jowers ◽  
Jamie J. Brunsdon ◽  
Jacob T. Peterson ◽  
Hayden L. Mitchell ◽  
Matthew D. Curtner-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Physical Education Teacher ◽  
Education Teacher ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Sport Pedagogy ◽  
Analytic Induction ◽  
Hybrid Forms

Purpose: To examine the influence of occupational socialization on the beliefs and actions of six sport pedagogy doctoral students (DSs) in terms of physical education (PE) teaching and physical education teacher education (PETE). Method: Data were collected with five qualitative techniques and analyzed by employing analytic induction and constant comparison. Results: DSs had conservative or liberal views about PE and endorsed hybrid forms of PETE, which included elements of the behavioristic, traditional/craft, and critical inquiry orientations. Patterns of socialization that shaped these beliefs and actions were both congruent and contrasting with those described in past research. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of asking potential DSs about their beliefs and the forces that shaped those beliefs during recruitment. In addition, it indicates that the potency of doctoral education can be enhanced when it has a dual focus on PETE and research and when DSs experience it within a cohort.

scholarly journals Impact of Occupational Socialization on the Perspectives and Practices of Sport Pedagogy Doctoral Students

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Min Lee ◽  
Matthew D. Curtner-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Graduate Education ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Physical Education Teacher ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Sport Pedagogy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Analytic Induction

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of occupational socialization on the perspectives and practices of sport pedagogy doctoral students in terms of physical education (PE) teaching and physical education teacher education (PETE). Participants were 12 students. Data were collected through formal and informal interviews, observations, and self-reflective posters. They were analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. Key findings were that doctoral students espoused both conservative and liberal forms of PE and PETE. These views were shaped by the various phases of their socialization. Doctoral students recalled being oriented to teaching and coaching. The longer coaching orientations remained intact, the more likely they were to espouse conservative versions of PE and PETE. The students’ graduate education was shown to be particularly potent and powerful. This appeared to be due to influential faculty, a practitioner focus in master’s degree programs, and engagement in undergraduate PETE.

Socialization of Preservice Adapted Physical Educators: Influence of Teacher Education

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley J. Wilson ◽  
K. Andrew R. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Adapted Physical Education ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Physical Education Teacher ◽  
Education Teacher ◽  
Socialization Theory ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education

Occupational socialization theory has been used to understand the recruitment, education, and socialization of physical education teachers for nearly 40 yr. It has, however, only recently been applied to the study of adapted physical education teachers. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to understand the socialization of preservice teachers in an adapted physical education teacher education graduate-level program. Participants included 17 purposefully selected preservice teachers (5 male and 12 female) enrolled in a yearlong graduate-level adapted physical education teacher education program. Qualitative data were collected using interviews, reflective journaling, and field notes taken during teaching and coursework observations. Data analysis resulted in the construction of 3 themes: overcoming contextual challenges to meet learners’ needs, the importance of field-based teacher education, and coping with the challenges of marginalization. The discussion connects to and advances occupational socialization theory in adapted physical education and suggests that professional socialization may have a more profound influence on preservice adapted physical education teachers than on their physical education counterparts.

The Transition Into Professorship: Beyond the Three-Phase Approach to Socialization

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Pennington
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Doctoral Programs ◽  
Physical Educators ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Socialization Theory ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Dialectical Perspective ◽  
Key Issues

This article outlines a brief review of literature of occupational socialization theory. Specific to physical educators, occupational socialization theory examines the ways individuals are recruited into, prepared for, and socialized in the profession. It represents a dialectical perspective on socialization, acknowledging that educators are shaped by the institutions that seek to socialize them, but that they can resist the influence of this socialization. This article also discusses the key issues affecting physical education teacher education (PETE) doctoral programs and the means by which PETE doctoral students are socialized into the role of university educators.

Understanding US PETE Faculty Stress in the Sociopolitical Environment of Higher Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 1356336X2110537
Author(s):  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
Shelby E. Ison ◽  
Kim C. Graber ◽  
Amelia Mays Woods ◽  
Chloe Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Faculty Development ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Role Stressors ◽  
Socialization Theory ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Faculty Stress

Teacher socialization theories have been extensively applied to understand the sociopolitical stressors faced by inservice physical education teachers. On the other hand, little is known as it relates to how physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty members experience and navigate stress in their jobs. Through the lens of occupational socialization theory, this study sought to understand US PETE faculty members’ experiences navigating the stress of their work in sociopolitical department and university environments. Participants included 36 US PETE faculty members (20 female, 16 male). Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results highlighted the ways in which participants experienced and navigated the stress associated with their work environments. Specific themes included: (a) ambiguous, conflicting, and high expectations for performance contribute to role stress, (b) department cultures can challenge and marginalize physical education, (c) (development of) personal approaches and coping strategies to manage role stressors, and (d) networks of support are integral to faculty development and socialization. Results are discussed with implications for how various roles and the internalization of those roles impacted participants’ perceived stress while addressing the intra- and interpersonal strategies participants employ to navigate these stressors. Recommendations related to both doctoral education and continuous faculty development are provided and future directions for research are forwarded.

Adapted Physical Education Teachers’ Job Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 661-680
Author(s):  
Minhyun Kim ◽  
José A. Santiago ◽  
Chan Woong Park ◽  
Emily A. Roper
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Adapted Physical Education ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Socialization Theory

Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the authors examined adapted physical education (APE) teachers’ job satisfaction. Twelve (nine female and three male) APE teachers who had 3–43 years of teaching experience participated in the study. A semistructured interview was employed. The interviews focused on the participants’ roles and responsibilities. The following questions guided this study: (a) What social agents positively impact APE teachers’ job satisfaction? (b) what APE teachers’ roles and responsibilities are related to job satisfaction? and (c) what type of working conditions are linked to APE teachers’ job satisfaction? Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The following four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) support from administrators, physical education teachers, and colleagues; (b) relevant and meaningful professional development; (c) itinerant working conditions; and (d) seeing students’ progress and achievement. The results of this study provide several implications to enhance APE teachers’ job satisfaction.

Chapter 6: Perspectives on the Future of Doctoral Programs

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Murray F. Mitchell ◽  
Hal A. Lawson ◽  
Hans van der Mars ◽  
Phillip Ward
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Doctoral Programs ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Core Knowledge ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
The Future ◽  
Local Program ◽  
State Accreditation ◽  
Pete Programs

What does the future hold for Doctoral Programs for Physical Education Teacher Education (D-PETE) programs, faculty, and doctoral students? What can D-PETE faculty prioritize and do to create a more desirable future for D-PETE, PETE, and school physical education programs? What are the main facilitators, constraints, and barriers? Framed by these three questions, this chapter offers an action-oriented analysis of doctoral programs. Alongside physical education-specific program priorities influential factors in the external environment merit attention, including regional and state accreditation, neoliberal forces for accountability, the regulatory environment, program standards and national rankings, and declining enrollments. Mindful of alternative perspectives and university- and program-specific action plans, a dual priority appears to be crosscutting. Every D-PETE program needs to reflect theoretically sound and evidence-based practices, and D-PETE graduates need to be prepared to advance these practices after graduation. Toward these ends, it is timely to work toward consensus on a core knowledge base, explore how best to share resources across university boundaries, and join forces to solidify and safeguard appropriate practices. Today’s choices have short- and long-term consequences for each program and the profession overall, recommending that national priorities gain prominence alongside local program traditions and D-PETE faculty practices.

PETE Faculty Preferences and Responsibilities for Research, Teaching, and Service in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-406
Author(s):  
Kim C. Graber ◽  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
Chad M. Killian ◽  
Amelia Mays Woods
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Work Role ◽  
Occupational Socialization ◽  
Physical Education Teacher ◽  
Institution Type ◽  
Education Teacher ◽  
Socialization Theory ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Teacher Education Faculty

Purpose: Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the purpose of this investigation was to examine U.S. physical education teacher education faculty members’ work role preferences, how their actual work role responsibilities compare to institutional expectations, and differences in these preferences and responsibilities based on gender and institution type (i.e., bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral institutions). Methods: Participants included 323 physical education teacher education faculty members (188 females and 135 males) from 230 institutions of higher education who completed an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a series of 3 × 2 (Institution Type × Gender) factorial analysis of variances. Results: There was relative alignment between what faculty members are expected to do, what they prefer to do, and how they actually spend their time. There are, however, some important differences based on gender and institutional classification. Discussion/Conclusion: Results are discussed within the framework of occupational socialization theory and with reference to faculty role expectations and the propensity for role conflict.

Community of Practice: Preparing Preservice Teachers to Lead Movement Integration in a School–University Partnered Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tan Leng Goh ◽  
Kristin Scrabis-Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Physical Education Teacher ◽  
Education Teacher ◽  
Physical Education Teacher Education ◽  
Online Discussion Forum ◽  
Movement Integration

Purpose: Physical education teacher education programs prepare preservice teachers to lead Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. Through the coordination of a university’s physical education teacher education program and an elementary school, the purpose of this study was to examine preservice and in-service teachers’ perspectives in implementing a 6-week movement integration program. Method: A total of 12 preservice teachers participated in a weekly online discussion forum as part of a community of practice. In addition, the preservice teachers and three in-service teachers participated in an interview. Data were analyzed for themes. Results: The themes were facilitating implementation through support, sharing ideas for common practice, and overcoming challenges in implementation. Support received by the preservice teachers facilitated the implementation of the program. They also shared strategies to overcome implementation challenges through the weekly online discussions. Discussion/Conclusion: Fostering communities of practice among preservice teachers prepares them for collaboration and movement integration implementation in the future.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document