bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Two-Year Health-Related Physical Education Intervention in Elementary Schools
Authors: Verstraete Stefanie J.M. , Cardon Greet M. , De Clercq Dirk L.R. , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse M.M.
Published: August 2016

The study aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-year health-related physical education intervention in a pretest-posttest design. Sixteen elementary schools (764 pupils, mean age: 11.2 ± 0.7) participated in the study. Schools were randomly assigned to the intervention condition (n = 8) and the control condition (n = 8). Making use of direct observation data gathered according to SOFIT (System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time), the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity engagement during physical education classes was significantly higher in the intervention condition than in the control condition. Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity engagement during physical education lessons increased with 14% in the intervention condition (from 42 to 56%). No significant effects were found on the accelerometer data. The health-related physical education intervention was found to be promising in promoting physical activity during physical education classes.
School Physical Education, Extracurricular Sports, and Lifelong Active Living
Authors: Bocarro Jason , Kanters Michael A. , Casper Jonathan , Forrester Scott
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this article is to examine the role of school-based extracurricular initiatives in facilitating immediate and long-term positive impact on physical activity, healthy behavior, and obesity in children. A critique of the role of various sports-related initiatives that have been developed to address the obesity epidemic currently facing children within the United States is provided, with a specific emphasis on intramural sports as a preferred mechanism to encourage long-term involvement in sport and physically active pursuits. The article presents support for the notion that a physical education curriculum that includes intramurals before, during, and after school can help children learn the skills to enjoy participation in a variety of sports designed to facilitate lifelong active living.
The Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI): Some Concerns and Solutions for Further Development
Authors: Memmert Daniel , Harvey Stephen
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this article is to discuss some concerns with the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). This review of the GPAI includes five perceived problems with the GPAI scoring and coding system: (1) calculation of individual and overall game performance indices, (2) use of game involvement versus game performance index to analyze game performance, (3) observer reliability, (4) nonlinearity, and (5) usefulness of action. In this article, we suggest a reexamination of the GPAI scoring and coding system that will lead to more efficient use of this game performance instrument. Some of the suggested modifications can be implemented quickly, whereas others need further research.
Effects of Choice on Student Motivation and Physical Activity Behavior in Physical Education
Authors: Ward Jillian , Wilkinson Carol , Graser Susan Vincent , Prusak Keven A.
Published: August 2016

This study examined the effects of increased autonomy on (a) self-determination and (b) physical activity levels. Seventh- and eighth-grade girls (N = 122) in four classes participated in two fitness units (one allowing choice of activities, the other no-choice). The order of the units was counterbalanced, so that two classes participated in the choice unit first, and the other two participated in the no-choice unit first. The abridged Situational Intrinsic Motivation Scale (SIMS) was administered after each unit. Pedometers were used to measure step counts during both units. Overall, self-determination was higher in the choice unit. The repeated measures analysis also indicated that girls who experienced the choice unit first, and then were denied the opportunity to make choices had the lowest levels of self-determination. The results provide empirical support for the theoretical prediction that increased autonomy yields higher levels of self-determination.
The Role of Ability Beliefs and Incentives in Middle School Students’ Intention, Cardiovascular Fitness, and Effort
Authors: Gao Zan , Lodewyk Ken R. , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2016

This study uncovers the predictive relationship of middle school students’ ability beliefs (self-efficacy and expectancy-related beliefs) and incentives (outcome expectancy, importance, interest, and usefulness) to intention, cardiovascular fitness, and teacher-rated effort in physical education. Participants (N = 252; 118 boys, 134 girls) completed questionnaires assessing their ability beliefs, incentives, and intention for future participation in physical education, and then had their cardiovascular fitness assessed with the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test. Students’ effort in class was rated by their respective physical education teachers. Correlation analysis yielded significantly positive relationships between ability beliefs and incentives. Regression results revealed that ability beliefs, importance, interest, and usefulness significantly predicted intention for future participation. Ability beliefs also emerged as significant predictors of PACER test scores whereas self-efficacy was the only predictor of teacher-rated effort. Implications for educational practice are discussed.
With the Best of Intentions: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Physical Education Curriculum Materials
Authors: Rossi Tony , Tinning Richard , McCuaig Louise , Sirna Karen , Hunter Lisa
Published: August 2016

Much of physical education curriculum in the developed world and specifically in Australia tends to be guided in principle by syllabus documents that represent, in varying degrees, some form of government education priorities. Through the use of critical discourse analysis we analyze one such syllabus example (an official syllabus document of one of the Australian States) to explore the relationships between the emancipatory/social justice expectations presented in the rubric of and introduction to the official syllabus document, and the language details of learning outcomes that indicate how the expectations might be satisfied. Given the complexity and multilevel pathways of message systems/ideologies we question the efficacy of such documents oriented around social justice principles to genuinely deliver more radical agendas which promote social change and encourage a preparedness to engage in social action leading to a betterment of society.
An Investigation of Students’ Embodied Discourses in Physical Education: A Gender Project
Authors: Azzarito Laura , Solmon Melinda
Published: August 2016

Despite significant theoretical and practical progress over the past 20 years, the social construction of gender and its link to youths’ participation in physical activity in school contexts remain critical issues that call for further socioeducational scrutiny. In this study, researchers investigated the ways students’ embodiment of discursive constructs differed in terms of gender and race, and the relation between students’ embodied discursive constructs and students’ favorite or least favorite physical activities in physical education classes. The participants were 528 students from three public high schools. A survey was developed to assess students’ embodiment of discursive constructs. These results suggest that discursive constructs are influential in producing students’ choice of “gender-appropriate” physical activities. To destabilize the gender binary, therefore, the creation and promotion of a discourse of the “multiplicity of physicality” is proposed.
Dispositional Flow in Physical Education: Relationships with Motivational Climate, Social Goals, and Perceived Competence
Authors: González-Cutre David , Sicilia Álvaro , Moreno Juan Antonio , Fernández-Balboa Juan Miguel
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating effects of social goals and perceived competence on students’ perceptions of motivational climates and dispositional flow in physical education. At the beginning of the physical education unit, 779 students, 12 to 16 years old, were asked to complete four questionnaires: Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2), which measured the perception of task- and ego-involving climates; the Social Goal Scale–Physical Education (SGS-PE); the sport competence factor of the Physical Self-Perception Profile; and the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2). The results of the structural equation model showed that the task-involving climate positively predicted students’ social goals (i.e., relationship and responsibility goals) as well as their perceived competence. In turn, social goals and perceived competence positively predicted their dispositional flow. Of the total effects of task-involving climate on dispositional flow, 50% of them were direct whereas the other 50% were indirect. The ego-involving climate positively predicted dispositional flow through perceived competence. The results are discussed with reference to the ability of the teacher to create a high degree of motivation for the students so as to help them achieve optimal psychological states and continue to participate in physical activity.
Effective Mentoring: Critical to the Professional Development of First Year Physical Educators
Authors: Rikard G. Linda , Banville Dominique
Published: August 2016

The first year of teaching is a critical time for professional growth and teacher development requiring emotional and pedagogical support from an experienced mentor. To serve this need, many school districts and counties across the US have developed induction programs for beginning teachers. This study examined 20 First Year Teachers’ (FYT’s) experiences in a mentoring induction program conducted from 2006 to 2008. Data included phone interviews, questionnaires, and one-on-one interviews. Kram’s mentoring framework provided the theoretical model for describing stages of mentor-mentee relationships. In addition, a Continuum of mentor practices was developed to categorize the levels of mentor effectiveness as described by FYTs. Based on their perceptions, the effectiveness of mentoring practices varied greatly for these participants: nine teachers received adequate mentoring, while the remaining 11 teachers’ experiences indicated deficiencies. Mentors were trained and specifically matched with FYTs, yet, findings indicated that accountability measures were needed to adequately serve most of these FYTs.
Teaching Games for Understanding to In-Service Physical Education Teachers: Rewards and Barriers Regarding the Changing Model of Teaching Sport
Authors: Díaz-Cueto Mario , Hernández-Álvarez Juan Luis , Castejón Francisco Javier
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of in-service Physical Education (PE) teachers when using Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) in teaching sports. Data were gathered from interviews, work group meetings, and participants’ diaries. The results show the difficulties PE teachers had in the planning and implementation of TGfU. In the initial stage of implementing TGfU, teachers reported feelings of insecurity to the point of doubting their own pedagogical expertise and knowledge. They also reported anxiety and exhaustion. Once they surpassed the first stage, teachers’ feelings of satisfaction increased in parallel with students’ improvement, in particular because students with the lowest skill level had made significant progress in decision-making, overall compression of the game, and tactical problem solving. This study identified some major challenges facing PE teachers wishing to implement TGfU, and thus allows for the development of support strategies to promote teachers’ pedagogical self-assessment.
Individual and Instructional Determinants of Student Engagement in Physical Education
Authors: Bevans Katherine , Fitzpatrick Leslie-Anne , Sanchez Betty , Forrest Christopher B.
Published: August 2016

This study was conducted to identify student characteristics and instructional factors that impact student engagement in physical education (PE). Data were derived from the systematic observation of 124 sessions taught by 31 physical educators and the administration of health and PE engagement questionnaires to 2,018 students in grades 5-8. Physical activity was directly affected by student engagement and perceived competence in PE and indirectly affected by students’ body image through its association with PE engagement. Multilevel analyses revealed that the proportion of class time devoted to game play was negatively associated with student engagement in PE. Although less frequently used during PE sessions, skill practice was positively associated with student engagement and inactive instruction was negatively associated with student engagement. These effects were particularly pronounced among students with poor competence beliefs. Implications for PE instructional practice and future research are presented.
Change in Affect and Needs Satisfaction for Amotivated Students within the Sport Education Model
Authors: Perlman Dana
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the Sport Education Model (SEM) on amotivated students affect and needs satisfaction. 78 amotivated students from an original pool of 1,176 students enrolled in one of 32 physical education classes. Classes were randomly assigned to either the SEM (N = 16) or traditional class (N = 16). Data were collected using a pretest/posttest design measuring affect (enjoyment) and needs satisfaction. Analysis of data used repeated-measures ANOVAs to examine differences. Results indicated significant changes in amotivated student’s perceptions of enjoyment and relatedness satisfaction within the SEM.
Influence of Sport Education on Group Cohesion in University Physical Education
Authors: Jenkins Jayne M. , Alderman Brandon L.
Published: August 2016

The Sport Education (SE) curricular model incorporated within university physical education Basic Instruction Program (BIP) may increase group cohesion. This study’s purpose was to identify student perceptions of a BIP course taught within SE, and investigate group cohesion in differing activity content. Participants included 430 students enrolled in 25 BIP classes delivered in SE. A mixed method design included multiple data collection: critical incident, interview, and Physical Activity Group Environmental Questionnaire (PAGEQ). Lifetime skill and competitive sport class participants reflected more group cohesion than exercise class participants. Exercise class participants reported lower task cohesion than other groups, p < .05. Sport participants reported higher social cohesion than lifetime skill participants, whose responses were higher than exercise participants, ps<.05. Findings from critical incident and interview data provided further support for the PAGEQ results. We suggest that exercise classes may not spontaneously lend themselves to cohesion; thus, teachers need to be more creative in designing SE for exercise classes to increase cohesion.
Finnish Physical Education Teachers’ Self-Reported Use and Perceptions of Mosston and Ashworth’s Teaching Styles
Authors: Jaakkola Timo , Watt Anthony
Published: August 2016

The main purpose of the study was to analyze teaching styles used in Finnish physical education. Another aim was to investigate the relationships between background characteristics of teachers and use of teaching styles. The participants of the study were 294 (185 females and 109 males) Finnish physical education teachers. The teachers responded to an electronic questionnaire accessed through a link delivered to them by e-mail. The instrument included background information items (gender, teaching experience, education, school level, mean class size) and questions pertaining to ‘teacher use’ and ‘perceived benefits to students’ of the various teaching styles. The results of the study revealed that teachers used the command and practice styles of teaching most frequently and the self-check and convergent discovery styles least frequently. The trend was to use more teacher-centered than student-centered styles. The teachers perceived the practice and divergent production styles as most and the reciprocal and convergent discovery styles as least beneficial for their students.
Social Goals in Urban Physical Education: Relationships with Effort and Disruptive Behavior
Authors: Garn Alex C. , McCaughtry Nate , Shen Bo , Martin Jeffrey J. , Fahlman Mariane
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the relationships among four distinct types of social goals, effort, and disruptive behavior in urban physical education. Social responsibility, affiliation, recognition, status goals, along with effort and disruptive behavior in physical education were reported by high school physical education students (N = 314) from three urban schools. Findings from correlation and structural equation modeling analyses revealed that social responsibility goals had a positive relationship with effort and an inverse relationship with disruptive behavior. Social status goals demonstrated a positive relationship with disruptive behavior and no relationship with effort. Social recognition goal results were mixed, as they had positive relationships to both effort and disruptive behavior while social affiliation goals were unrelated to effort or disruptive behavior. Application of these results suggests that physical educators who are able to identify the diverse social motives that underlie students’ goals can maximize learning opportunities by increasing student effort and minimizing disruptive behavior.
The Status of High School Online Physical Education in the United States
Authors: Daum David Newman , Buschner Craig
Published: August 2016

Online learning is changing the educational landscape despite the limited empirical research and conflicting results about its effectiveness to produce student learning. The purpose of this study was to describe the status of online physical education (OLPE) in the United States. Surveys were sent to forty-five high school online physical education teachers and thirty-two were completed, producing a 71% response rate. Three-fourths of the online physical education teachers focused on a fitness curriculum with emphasis on the cognitive domain. Likewise, it was found that almost three-fourths of the OLPE courses did not meet the national guidelines for secondary schools, of 225 min of PE per week. Most of the courses required physical activity three days per week while six courses required no physical activity. Teachers expressed support, hesitation, and even opposition toward online physical education. This study initiates a descriptive database for future research studies regarding online physical education.
Impact of Wellness Legislation on Comprehensive School Health Programs
Authors: Graber Kim C. , Woods Amelia Mays , O’Connor Jamie A.
Published: August 2016

In 2004, Congress passed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act that requires schools to implement a wellness plan. Grounded in Ecological Systems Theory (EST) (Bronfenbrenner, 1977, 1979), the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the legislation, discover what measures have been taken to enact the legislation, gauge how the legislation has impacted the work environment of physical educators, and better understand EST in relation to the legislation at the level of the microsystem. In total, 51 individuals participated in in-depth interviews that were triangulated and inductively/deductively coded. The results indicate that (a) principals and physical education teachers had limited knowledge of the plan, (b) school nutrition programs profited more than physical education, (c) physical education is becoming less marginalized, (d) physical education teachers missed an opportunity to use the legislation for program improvement, and (e) individuals at different levels of the system need to interact.
Urban High-School Girls’ Sense of Relatedness and Their Engagement in Physical Education
Authors: Shen Bo , McCaughtry Nate , Martin Jeffrey J. , Fahlman Mariane , Garn Alex C.
Published: August 2016

A sense of relatedness is individuals’ views about themselves as connected to others and worthy of love and respect from others. Using the Self-System Model of Motivational Development as the framework, this study was designed to examine associations of urban high-school girls’ relatedness toward teachers and peers with their behavioral and emotional engagements in physical education. Participants (N = 184, ages 15–18) completed questionnaires assessing relevant psychological and behavioral constructs while their teachers also completed corresponding measures during classes. Regression analyses revealed that relatedness toward teachers and peers had direct and interactive roles in both behavioral and emotional engagements. Although relatedness to teachers was the most pronounced predictor, feeling related to peers might have an added effect for the students who did not feel connected. The findings support that nurturing quality relationships between and among both teachers and peers may hold promise for enhancing learning.
Students’ Beliefs and Intentions to Play With Peers With Disabilities in Physical Education: Relationships With Achievement and Social Goals
Authors: Obrusnikova Iva , Dillon Suzanna Rocco
Published: August 2016

The study investigated beliefs and physical education goals associated with intentions of students without disabilities to play with a hypothetical peer with a physical disability in general physical education (GPE). The Children’s Intentions to Play with Peers with Disabilities in Middle School Physical Education (CBIPPD-MPE), the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Scale-9, and the Social Goal Scale were administered to a convenience sample of 359 participants. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that social goals and task-involved goals significantly contributed (p < .01) to positive behavioral, normative, and control beliefs. In addition, the three beliefs significantly contributed (p < .01) to participants’ intentions. Females had significantly higher intentions, behavioral beliefs, and social goals, whereas males had significantly higher ego-involved goals (p < .05). The findings offer empirical support for consideration of social and achievement goal theories and gender in the CBIPPD-MPE model.
Alienation in Physical Education From the Perspectives of Children
Authors: Spencer-Cavaliere Nancy , Rintoul Mary Ann
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the phenomenon of alienation in physical education from the perspectives of children. Of particular interest were children’s perspectives about the three constructs of alienation: (a) powerlessness, (b) meaninglessness, and (c) social isolation, as defined by Carlson (1995). A case study methodology was employed with sixth grade children (ages 10 and 11), with a total of 14 children forming the unit of analysis. Observations, field and reflective notes, drawings and semistructured interviews were used to triangulate the data. The data were analyzed by employing a continuum of inductive and deductive analysis, using categorical aggregation and direct interpretation. Three themes were identified as representative of the children’s perspectives: (a) degree of control, (b) meaning, and (c) social factors. The results are discussed in relation to their contribution to the understanding of alienation in children’s physical education and implications for practice.
The Influence of the Social Context on Students In-Class Physical Activity
Authors: Perlman Dana
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the social context, based within self-determination theory, on student’s in-class physical activity. A total of 84 Year 11/12 physical education students were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups; Autonomy-supportive, Controlling and Balanced. Data were collected using a pretest/posttest design measuring in-class physical activity. Analysis of data used Repeated Measures ANOVAs to examine group differences. Results indicated significant differences for students engaged in the autonomy-supportive context in terms of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. These results indicate that instructional behaviors that align with an autonomy-supportive context can facilitate higher levels of in-class physical activity.
The Role of Motor Competence and Body Mass Index in Children’s Activity Levels in Physical Education Classes
Authors: Spessato Barbara Coiro , Gabbard Carl , Valentini Nadia C.
Published: August 2016

Our goal was to investigate the role of body mass index (BMI) and motor competence (MC) in children’s physical activity (PA) levels during physical education (PE) classes. We assessed PA levels of 5-to-10-year old children (n = 264) with pedometers in four PE classes. MC was assessed using the TGMD-2 and BMI values were classified according to CDC guidelines. We found small-to-moderate positive correlations between MC and PA; BMI was not significantly correlated with MC and PA. The linear regression model indicated that overall MC was a better predictor of PA than BMI. Our results suggest that children with higher MC find a way to be more active even in a structured setting such as a PE class. Our findings draw attention to the importance of promoting MC, especially for children with high BMI.
The Effects of Choice on Autonomous Motivation, Perceived Autonomy Support, and Physical Activity Levels in High School Physical Education
Authors: How Yew Meng , Whipp Peter , Dimmock James , Jackson Ben
Published: August 2016

This study examined whether the provision of choice in physical education (PE) enhanced students’ autonomous motivation, perceived autonomy support, and physical activity (PA) levels, relative to a “regular PE” control group. Students from eight intact high school PE classes (N = 257, Mage = 12.91) were randomly assigned to control (i.e., four classes) and intervention (i.e., four classes) conditions. Students in the intervention group were given a unique opportunity to choose their preferred participatory role in their PE units, while control students participated in normal teacher-led PE, and data were collected over a 15-week program (i.e., three units of five weeks each). The results indicated that a lack of choice in PE aligned with less positive perceptions of autonomy support among students within the control group, compared with their counterparts in the intervention group. In some choice formats, students exhibited significantly higher PA levels than students who undertook normal PE. These findings indicate that offering choice in high school PE lessons may encourage perceptions of autonomy support and levels of in-class physical activity.
Self-Regulated Learning and Perceived Health Among Students Participating in University Physical Activity Classes
Authors: McBride Ron E. , Xiang Ping
Published: August 2016

Three hundred and sixty-one students participating in university physical activity classes completed questionnaires assessing perceived health and self-regulated learning. In addition, 20 students (11 men; 9 women) were interviewed about their reasons for enrolling, participation and goals in the class. Results indicated the students endorsed intrinsic regulation, were autonomous, and the males scored significantly higher on intrinsic regulation and perceived health. Of four regulators, intrinsic regulation predicted student perceived health. The social nature of regulation also cannot be overlooked in providing practicable opportunities and relationships that influence learning in university physical activity classes.
Emotional Exhaustion and Motivation in Physical Education Teachers: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Approach
Authors: Van den Berghe Lynn , Cardon Greet , Aelterman Nathalie , Tallir Isabel Barbara , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Haerens Leen
Published: August 2016

Burnout in teachers is related to different maladaptive outcomes. This study aimed at exploring the relationship between emotional exhaustion and motivation to teach in 93 physical education teachers. Results showed that teachers report more emotional exhaustion when they are less autonomously motivated, while the opposite relationship was found for controlled motivation. Next, four motivational profiles were identified by means of cluster analyses: (a) a relative controlled group, (b) a relative lowly motivated group, (c) a relative autonomous group, and (d) a relative highly motivated group. The controlled group reported most emotional exhaustion, whereas the relative autonomous and highly motivated group had the lowest scores on emotional exhaustion. The results indicate that being autonomously motivated may function as a “buffer” against the development of emotional exhaustion. This implicates that it is important for politicians, directors, teachers, and teacher educators to consider teachers’ type of motivation to teach to prevent emotional exhaustion.
“Now, I’m Magazine Detective the Whole Time”: Listening and Responding to Young People’s Complex Experiences of Popular Physical Culture
Authors: Enright Eimear , O’Sullivan Mary
Published: August 2016

Popular physical culture serves as a site, subject and medium for young people’s learning (Sandford & Rich, 2006) and impacts their relationship with physical education, physical activity and the construction of their embodied identities. This paper addresses the potential of scrapbooking as a pedagogical and methodological tool to facilitate physical education researchers and teachers to listen to, and better understand and respond to extend students’ existing knowledge of, and critical engagement with popular physical culture. The data draws from a three year Participatory Action Research project that was undertaken in an urban, secondary school and was designed to engage 41 girls (aged 15–19) in understanding, critiquing and transforming aspects of their lives that influenced their perspectives of their bodies and their physical activity and physical education engagement. In this paper the focus is on the engagement of eleven of these girls in a five week popular physical culture unit. The students’ scrapbooks, audio-recordings of classes, a guided conversation, and field notes constitute the data sources. Findings suggest scrapbooking has the potential to allow researchers access, understand and respond to students’ perspectives on popular physical culture and their lives in a way that other methods may not. Pedagogically, scrapbooking supported students in critically appraising and making meaning of “scraps” of popular physical culture.
An Intensive Study of a Systematic Teacher Training Model in Physical Education
Authors: McBride Ron E.
Published: August 2016

This study sought to reduce the practical concerns of six preservice physical education teachers in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) through adoption of the first six components of the Systematic Teacher Training Model. The study also sought to examine the degree to which teacher effectiveness might be enhanced as a result of this systematic teacher training program. The study employed an intensive experimental approach emphasizing repeated measures over time and an intervention. A multiple baseline ABABA design (“A” indicating the baseline measures and “B” the experimental time periods) was used. The teachers were matched by concerns and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The analysis indicated that the teachers assigned to the experimental group employing the systematic treatment showed a significantly greater trend toward reduction of teaching concerns and overall increases in observed teacher effectiveness.
Here’s Looking at You, PETE: A Profile of Physical Education Teacher Education Faculty
Authors: Metzler Michael W. , Freedman Mark S.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine several features and opinions of the faculty group who staff preprofessional physical education programs in the United States. A total of 171 college and university faculty members who identified themselves as elementary and/or secondary specialists returned a 33-item questionnaire for this study. This questionnaire was designed to seek demographic data on subjects’ institution, department, faculty, and personal career information. In addition, the questionnaire requested opinions on several topics related to preprofessional physical education programs. The profile sketch of the PETE faculty group described a notably diverse professoriate, with very few commonalities binding them in terms of education, teaching responsibilities, publication records, professional duties, and membership in professional societies. However, there was some agreement within the sample about how well preprofessional programs are faring, and on the steps needed to make programs stronger in the future.
Becoming a Better Teacher: An Analysis of the Student Teaching Experience
Authors: Schempp Paul G.
Published: August 2016

An analysis of student teaching was made to determine how student teachers defined becoming a better teacher based on their actual teaching experiences in the gymnasium. Specifically, two definitions were derived from experiences the subjects identified as indicative of either progress or no progress in becoming a better teacher. A critical incident technique was employed to collect and analyze data from 20 student teachers. Data were collected in the second, sixth, and ninth weeks of a 10-week experience. Reliability of data was established by comparing exact agreements between the investigator and five impartial judges. The results of this study suggested the student teachers defined a better teacher through experiences in which a teacher-planned lesson activity was felt to have worked due to the entire class responding to the teacher’s efforts with appropriate social behavior. Incidents not indicative of a better teacher were those whereby the student teachers felt an activity they tried did not work, resulting in wasted time and inappropriate social behavior by the entire class. Further, it was found these definitions did not change throughout the student teaching experience.
The Influence of Three Least Restrictive Environments on the Content Motor-ALT and Performance of Moderately Mentally Retarded Students
Authors: DePaepe James L.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this investigation was to determine which of three least restrictive classroom environments would provide the greatest opportunity for mentally retarded students to practice on-task motor behavior. The experimental design used in this investigation consisted of three intact groups, each containing 10 moderately mentally retarded subjects ranging in age from 5 to 12 years. Static and dynamic balance measures were taken to evaluate the acquisition of overall balance performance while controls were placed on intelligence quotients and ability. Academic Learning Time (ALT) was also recorded in order to determine differences in content motor behavior. A significant relationship occurred between static balance and ALT. In addition, the peer tutors significantly increased the time moderately mentally retarded students practiced content motor behavior, which established the peer-tutor classroom setting as the least restrictive environment for enhancing motor performance.
The Influence of School Principals on Management Time and Student Activity Time for Two Elementary Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Ratliffe Tom
Published: August 2016

The study investigated the effects of behavioral interventions conducted by two school principals on selected teaching behaviors of physical education teachers. Subjects were two physical education teachers and two elementary school principals. The interventions consisted of (a) the principals conducting a standard observation and sharing session with the teacher, (b) the principals conducting an observation and sharing session after learning an observation system by viewing an instructional videotape, and (c) the teachers viewing the instructional videotape and learning the observation system. The dependent variables were student activity time, management time, and teacher feedback. Teacher behaviors were recorded using the Academic Learning Time-Physical Education (ALT-PE) 1982 Revision Coding Instrument (Siedentop, Tousignant, & Parker, 1982) and audiotape recordings. Visual inspection and comparison of the mean percentages during each phase indicated that activity time and management time did not change after the principals conducted their standard observation procedures. An increase in student activity time and a decrease in management time did occur after the second and third intervention procedures. The combined effect of the interventions was to lower management time and increase student activity time for both teachers.
Application of the Hurwitz Instructional Strategy Model (HISM) to Mosston’s Spectrum of Styles
Authors: Hurwitz Dick
Published: August 2016

The Hurwitz Instructional Strategy Model (HISM) is applied to Mosston’s spectrum of styles. Each style is redefined as an instructional strategy, and appropriate objectives for each strategy are identified. The structures of the newly defined spectrum strategies are then described and analyzed. The analysis reveals that the styles as strategies can be grouped into three families of strategies: modeling, task, and inquiry. It is suggested that these families may be further expanded. The analysis also identifies a number of additional strategies hidden in the spectrum. It is concluded that the HISM is useful for analyzing instructional strategies and the analysis of the spectrum may enhance its usefulness.
A Critical Pedagogy for Teacher Education: Toward an Inquiry-Oriented Approach
Authors: Kirk David
Published: August 2016

There has been growing advocacy for an inquiry-oriented approach to teacher education in the wake of developments in educational practice and theory, particularly through the action-research movement and critical curriculum inquiry. The inquiry-oriented approach argues that teacher education cannot be neutral, but must instead acknowledge the inherently political and ethical dimensions of the teaching act. This paper addresses the problem of developing a program for an inquiry-oriented approach and suggests that teacher education must focus on knowledge that begins with, and supports, the teaching act and portrays teacher education as a process of critical reflection on the teaching act itself.
Course Offerings and Diversity Related to Physical Education for Children
Authors: Gabbard Carl , Miller Glenn
Published: August 2016

A survey was conducted of 163 colleges and universities to determine course offerings and diversity related to physical education for children. Information was derived from each institution through an analysis of the course description section of the institution’s latest catalog, or related materials. Data were collected through library (microfiche), interuniversity loan systems, or direct mail. Data collection and analyses included course title, description, and units of credit hours. The characteristics of each course were determined and categorized into one of the following areas: elementary physical education methods, motor development, games/sport, dance/rhythms, gymnastics, and other. Analyses related to each category and the total were reported. In summary, 63% of the sample offered a basic elementary methods class while 72% provided at least 2 credit hours of related course work. The average total credit hours offered was 6.3 units, with a range of 0 to 32. When the analyses included only those institutions offering related course work, the average was 8.9 units (which was interpreted as three or perhaps four courses). The diversity of course titles other than those generally recognized was also reported.
Ongoing Program Development: Teachers as Collaborators
Authors: Schwager Susan M.
Published: August 2016

Competency-based education was used as a program development tool in a project featuring collaborative efforts among teachers, school administrators, and teacher educators to improve existing programs. The project focused on a systematic approach to upgrading the elementary physical education programs in the participating teachers’ school, and was sponsored by the Physical Education Program Development Center. The Center is a field-based organization, its purpose being to facilitate ongoing program and staff development in affiliated school districts. The study was to document and describe what happened and to assess the impact of the project on existing school programs. A variety of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques were used. The results showed that 17 competency-based program segments were designed and implemented by the eight participating teachers. Some gains in student performance were noted. The teachers’ reactions to the use of competency-based education were generally favorable.
The Impact of Planning on Inclass Interactive Behaviors of Preservice Teachers
Authors: Twardy Bernadette M. , Yerg Beverly J.
Published: August 2016

This study explored the relationships between teacher planning behaviors and the inclass behaviors of teachers and learners in a 30-min lesson on the volleyball spike. All 30 teacher subjects progressed through three consecutive stages: 30-min planning phase, 30-min instructional phase, and a brief self-report phase. During the planning session, subjects were instructed to plan their lesson by utilizing the talk aloud technique. Planning data were coded through the use of planning indicators obtained from the Florida Performance Measurement System. Immediately after the planning phase each subject implemented his or her lesson. Teacher and learner behavior was live-coded by three trained observers using Birdwell’s Academic Learning Time-Physical Education-Teacher Behavior Observation System (ALT-PE-TB). Frequencies of teacher planning behavior were compared with the frequencies of inclass teaching behavior and learner behavior. The results indicated that significant relationships did exist between certain planning behaviors and the inclass behavior of teachers and learners.
Effects of Self-Assessment and Goal Setting on Verbal Behavior of Elementary Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Cusimano Barbara Ewens
Published: August 2016

This study investigated change in verbal teacher behavior due to a planned intervention on inservice training in self-assessment of audiotaped lessons and goal setting. The subjects were 15 elementary physical education teachers. A pretest-posttest control group experimental design was utilized. Verbal teacher behavior was assessed by event and duration recording. Change in verbal teacher behavior was analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Following intervention there was a statistically significant interaction for positive specific feedback, F(7) = .0015, p < .05, and corrective specific feedback, F(7) = .0417, p < .05. No statistically significant difference was evident for acceptance of students’ skill performance ideas. It appears that positive specific feedback and corrective specific feedback can be modified through the use of a planned intervention package including self-assessment and goal-setting.
Effect of Computer-Assisted Instruction on Development of Cognitive and Psychomotor Learning in Bowling
Authors: Steffen Jeff , Hansen Gary
Published: August 2016

The purposes of this study were to compare psychomotor and cognitive bowling skills following traditional and computer-assisted methods with 90 students enrolled in college bowling classes. Bowling scores were significantly higher for the CAI group; however, no differences were found between the groups in cognitive test scores. The CAI groups tended to have a more favorable perception of their instructional process than did the traditional instructional group.
Chapter 5: Meaningfulness for Adult Participants
Authors: Norton Candace J.
Published: August 2016

Persons discover, create and express meanings; they are choosing and self-assertive … heart and reason are interwoven. Individuals learn what has personal meaning for them, and their knowledge is an active creation. Institutions are to be developed and organized so that the growth of personal meaning emerges. (Tyler & Goodlad, 1979, p. 203)
Influence of Peer Tutors upon Academic Learning Time–Physical Education of Mentally Handicapped Students
Authors: Webster Gail E.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of peer tutors on the academic learning time (ALT) of moderately/severely mentally handicapped students in adapted physical education. A multiple baseline-across-students and withdrawal design was used to analyze the effects of untrained and trained tutors on the ALT–PE of the students. Motor appropriate behavior was documented with the ALT–PE observation system (Siedentop, Tousignant, & Parker, 1982). Data were analyzed by visual inspection. It was concluded that the presence of peer tutors appeared to have a positive effect on the ALT–PE of mentally handicapped students. No differences were evident between untrained and trained tutors with respect to ALT–PE.
Selection of Physical Education Students and Success in Student Teaching
Authors: Martens Fred L.
Published: August 2016

This is an extension of a 1977 study on the effectiveness, in terms of success in student teaching, of a process for screening students for a physical education teacher preparation program. Preentry data including interview ratings, secondary school GPAs, and skill and fitness scores, as well as postentry data including university GPAs, were correlated with student teaching ratings (STRs) on a total of402 graduates between 1967 and 1983 at the University of Victoria. In the 1986 study, in addition to the correlations, ANOVAs were computed. The correlation matrix revealed significant but low positive correlations between secondary GPAs and university GPAs generally, and between STR and 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-year GPA, respectively. ANOVAs revealed no significant differences in achieved STRs between interview categories, teaching attitude categories, or the four levels of entering GPAs. The only predictive power of preentry data was exhibited by entering GPA in presaging academic attainment in the 5-year program. In general, no preentry data were helpful in predicting teaching success.
What Preservice Physical Educators Observe about Lessons in Progressive Field Experiences
Authors: Belka David E.
Published: August 2016

How undergraduate teacher education recruits learn to observe and interpret effective teaching is of critical interest in understanding effects of formal preservice programs. In this study, 45 TEPE recruits from each of the 4 undergraduate years observed and interpreted a videotaped soccer skill lesson, described the important parts of the lesson and recommended changes for the lesson. As a function of time in the program, recruits interpreted the observed lesson more congruently with program goals and tended to reflect the targeted teaching skills in the current field experience. Differences were evident in the quality and clarity of the responses as the subjects matriculated the teacher education program in physical education. There were, however, few discernible interpretation differences between year 3 and year 4 subjects. In describing effective instruction, recruits generally focused on teaching behaviors, with somewhat less emphasis on content, and even less focus on student behaviors.