What does the term ‘quality physical education’ mean for health and physical education teachers in Australian Capital Territory schools?

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1193-1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Williams ◽  
Shane Pill
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Independent Schools ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Health And Physical Education ◽  
Australian Capital ◽  
The Status ◽  
Group Interviews

This research investigated what the term Quality Physical Education (QPE) meant to Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers in Australian Capital Territory (ACT) schools. A total of 14 HPE teachers who taught middle school or above, representing government and independent schools, took part in focus group interviews about their understanding of QPE and the factors that influenced their constructs. Figurational sociology and the concepts of interdependence, habitus, and involvement and detachment, were used to inform the research and interpret the findings. It was found that teachers’ accounts of QPE were largely informed by their individual and collective experiences and their personal ‘philosophies’ of physical education. With the exception of a recently introduced national curriculum for HPE, the teachers in this study did not use, or refer to, any evidence-based documents in forming their ideas about QPE. Further, they did not mention any recognised pedagogical approaches that they used in teaching QPE. The findings from this research are important, because ‘everyday’ or common-sense teacher understandings can negatively impact student learning and threaten the status and credibility of our profession.

An archaeological analysis to trace the emergence and transformation of qualified physical education teachers in Singapore primary schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-84
Author(s):  
Ho Jin Chung ◽  
Muhammad Sufri ◽  
Chee Keng John Wang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
National Archives ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Status ◽  
Archaeology Of Knowledge ◽  
Archaeological Analysis ◽  
Key Events ◽  
Underlying Processes

This study explored the underlying processes associated with the policy of increasing qualified physical education teachers (QPETs) in Singapore primary schools. Data were collected from the National Archives of Singapore, Newslink, NewpaperSG and documents. An ‘archaeological analysis’ by Foucault (1972) was used to trace the discursive conditions which enabled and facilitated the policy. Three distinct elements were borrowed from ‘The Archaeology of Knowledge and the Discourse on Language’, namely: the status – as reflected in the positions of individuals influencing the PE policies and initiatives; the institutional sites – as in the locations of the decisions being exercised, and; the situation – identified by the key events leading to the decision to increase QPETs in primary schools. The conclusions based on the analysis of these elements offer a clearer understanding of the various contributions to the adoption of the policy and serve to provide an insightful lens to policymakers who might seek to redesign the future shape of Physical Education.

Assessment of Teacher Attitudes Toward Inclusion of Students with Disabilities: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

1997 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios D. Sideridis ◽  
Judy P. Chandler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
The Status ◽  
Fit Index

The Teacher Integration Attitudes Questionnaire (TIAQ) was developed in order to assess the attitudes and beliefs of teachers (n = 110) with regard to the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular education settings. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the final structural model of the TIAQ comprised four constructs, namely, “Skills,” “Benefits,” “Acceptance,” and “Support.” The final model was fully supported by the derivation sample of music education teachers (n = 54) and produced a Comparative Fit Index (CFI = 1.00). The replication sample of physical education teachers (n = 56) partially supported the generality of the TIAQ, (CFI = .844). Further, the internal consistency properties of the TIAQ (Cronbach’s alpha was .77 for both samples) were satisfactory. We conclude that the psychometric properties of the TIAQ were adequate, and it can be used as a valid assessment in evaluating the status of inclusion for students with disabilities as perceived by music education and physical education teachers. However, future research is needed to support its generality with other groups of teachers and professionals.

#SayHerName: Black Women Physical Education Teachers of the Year

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Tara B. Blackshear
Keyword(s):  
Black Women ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Physical Educators ◽  
Teachers Of The Year ◽  
Women's Voices ◽  
Group Interviews

Purpose: Black women are devalued in many aspects of American culture—physical education (PE) is no exception. Platforms to celebrate Black women’s excellence in PE are scarce. Drawing on Black feminist thought and critical race theory, the purpose of this article is to describe and explain the experiences of Black women physical educators who earned PE Teacher of the Year. Participants: Two Black women share their experiences as physical educators and PE Teachers of the Year. Methods: Qualitative narrative inquiry consisting of semistructured, virtual group interviews was employed. Results: Four core themes were identified: (a) invisibility, (b) superwoman syndrome, (c) affirming role models, and (d) culturally responsive pedagogies. Discussion/Conclusion: Elevating Black women’s voices in PE requires a deconstruction of limited exposure opportunities. Normalizing Black excellence in PE acknowledges that Black women’s intersectionalities create enormous challenges yet foster students’ success. Black women physical educators benefit students and society.

Status of Physical Education for Handicapped Students: A Comparative Analysis of Teachers in 1980 and 1988

1991 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent J. Melograno ◽  
E. Michael Loovis
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
The Status ◽  
Multidisciplinary Staff ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Results of comprehensive surveys (1980 and 1988) were compared relative to physical education for handicapped students. A direct, self-report methodology was used. Statewide (Ohio) samples of 241 (1980) and 242 (1988) physical education teachers participated. Data indicated that the status of physical education for handicapped students had remained the same. By 1988, only 14% of the teachers had contributed to a multidisciplinary staff for developing IEPs. Teachers’ lack of knowledge of PL 94-142 was revealed in both years, and interest in teaching handicapped students was no better than “neutral/mixed” (1988). A majority of teachers in 1980 and 1988 indicated a general need for assistance in motor behavior assessments. By 1988 a majority of teachers (51%) had not received encouragement/support from their administration. In both years, over 75% believed that handicapped students are excluded from participation in physical education due to “nature of handicap” and “functional ability.” Overall, results in 1980 were reaffirmed in 1988. Teachers lacked the ability to provide appropriate physical education for handicapped students.

Much changes, much remains the same: Icelandic parents’ perspectives on preschool education

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-232
Author(s):  
Johanna Einarsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Preschool Education ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Cultural Discourses ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
Curriculum Guidelines ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Shed Light

The aim of the study was to shed light on Icelandic parents’ views on their children’s preschool educations and explore if their views have changed over the last decade. In 2005/2006, focus group interviews were conducted with parents of 5- and 6-year-old children in three preschools in Iceland. In 2016, the same preschools were revisited, and now 26 parent participants were interviewed. Several challenges have been facing Icelandic early childhood education and care in the last decade. Iceland is faced with academic pushes and pressures to increase accountability. In addition, society is moving from a homogeneous to a multicultural nature. Therefore, it was of interest to explore if parents’ views had changed over the last decade. However, mostly parents of Icelandic origin were willing to participate. The findings from the present study therefore show the views of dominant Icelandic parents. The views of those parents have not changed much over the last decade, in spite of changes in the societal and educational landscape. They endorsed play as well as social and personal competences. The findings indicate that socio-cultural discourses are influential in shaping the narratives of participating parents. It seems that the parents were expressing ideas proposed by the Icelandic National Curriculum Guidelines for Preschools and their views reflect the dominant cultural values that are presented in the curriculum guidelines. One can assume that these cultural values reflected in the curriculum are stronger than the current neoliberal, global emphasis since the ideas of the participating parents had not changed significantly from the views of parents a decade ago, in spite of an international trend emphasising the academification of preschools and increasing multiculturalism in the country. Hence, the study shows clearly that despite neoliberal pressures, play and child-centred preschools remain a priority for Icelandic parents.

Classroom teachers’ and administrators’ views of teaching health and physical education

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 448-464
Author(s):  
Dominique Banville ◽  
Ben Dyson ◽  
Pamela H Kulinna ◽  
Michalis Stylianou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Classroom Teachers ◽  
Health And Physical Education ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand

Teacher efficacy influences what and how they teach. This may be particularly important to consider in Aotearoa New Zealand contexts where primary classroom teachers teach health and physical education and use physical activity breaks with little training. It remains unclear how classroom teachers perceive this role and how to better support them. The purpose of this study was to investigate classroom teachers’ and administrators’ views of teaching health and physical education, including physical activity behaviours, in primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants were 10 teachers and three administrators from two schools selected as a purposive sample. Data were collected through formal interviews, field notes, and photographs, and were analysed using inductive analysis and constant comparison. The findings are shared using four themes: (a) support for physical activity breaks; (b) support for curriculum content in health and physical education and ‘Kiwi’ sport culture; (c) teachers’ influence level; and (d) school environment. Overall, teachers and administrators felt very efficacious in their roles of creating healthy and active schools. These teachers also appeared to be confused regarding the difference between physical education, sport, and physical activity. They did feel, however, that instructional self-efficacy could be improved through enhanced content and pedagogy taught in teacher education programmes, and increased opportunities for professional learning and development. Potentially, this could lead to more time spent teaching the health and physical education content as well as a greater focus on the national curriculum for health and physical education being taught in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Service-Learning and Pre-Service Educators' Cultural Competence for Teaching: An Exploratory Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen S. Meaney ◽  
Heidi R. Bohler ◽  
Kelcie Kopf ◽  
Lesley Hernandez ◽  
LaTosha S. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Health And Physical Education ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Group Interviews

Social-cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) served as the framework to examine a physical education service-learning program's impact on pre-service educators' cultural competence. Participants included 53 undergraduates enrolled in two sections of Health and Physical Education for Children. The course's service-learning component provided pre-service educators opportunities to teach physical education to African-American and Hispanic children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants described their experiences via daily logs, weekly reflections, and focus group interviews. Content analyses of the multiple data sources indicated that daily interaction with the children broadened participants' understanding of under-served children, changed their preconceived stereotypes, improved their language and communication skills, and impacted future teaching expectations. These findings suggest service-learning programs may valuably enhance pre-service educators' cultural competence for teaching.

Middle School Students’ Perceptions of Physical Education: A Qualitative Look

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38
Author(s):  
Sharon R. Phillips ◽  
Risto Marttinen ◽  
Kevin Mercier ◽  
Anne Gibbone
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Fitness Testing ◽  
School Students ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Group Interviews

Purpose: Existing research suggests that students’ attitudes toward physical education are positive through Grade 5, but become less positive as grade levels increase; this research is, however, missing student voice. The purpose of this study was to further understand why students’ attitudes have been shown to decrease. Methods: Twenty-six focus group interviews (students N = 65) were conducted over 2 years to discover what was influencing attitudes from fifth to eighth grade. Results: Three themes emerged: (a) curriculum leads to decreases in student attitudes (subthemes repetitive and boring, an overemphasis on competition, and fitness testing activities—what’s the purpose and why am I on display?), (b) social factors impact attitude: sweating and changing, and (c) physical education assumptions, the easy “A” (subthemes: perceptions of physical education teachers and the easy “A”). Conclusion: Allowing students to explain the reasons for decreases in attitudes contributes to improving the teaching and learning process.

scholarly journals Origins of perceived physical education ability and worth among English adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Hilland ◽  
Nicola Ridgers ◽  
Gareth Stratton ◽  
Zoe Knowles ◽  
Stuart Fairclough
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Expectancy Value ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Feedback Perceptions

Predisposing factors of perceived physical education (PE) ability and perceived PE worth within the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model are positively associated with young people’s daily physical activity. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate the origins of students’ perceived PE ability (perceived competence and self-esteem) and perceived PE worth (attitude and enjoyment). Fifty-three PE students, aged 12–14 years (mean = 13.18), participated in semi-structured focus group interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and analysed inductively and deductively and represented as pen profiles. Analysis revealed three higher order themes relating to perceived PE ability (external feedback, perceptions of (in)competence and comparison against peers), and three higher order themes underpinning perceived PE worth (PE teachers, expectancy–value relationship and the physical experience of PE). PE should be perceived as interesting, relevant and meaningful by students and provide appropriate opportunities for success so as to influence lifetime physical activity habits.

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