Karen Lux Gaudreault

Understanding the Realities of School Life: Recommendations for the Preparation of Physical Education Teachers

While quality physical education teacher education requires recruits to be trained in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective teaching, research stemming from socialization theory and role theory indicates that this may not be adequate. Pre-service teachers also need to be made aware of organizational challenges they will face when transitioning into their first teaching position. These challenges stem from the ways in which recruits are socialized into physical education, and are related to the complex, sociopolitical structure of schooling. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the organizational challenges faced by beginning physical education teachers and to present recommendations for how teacher training programs can better prepare pre-service teachers to meet these challenges. The discussion includes both general and specific strategies that can be implemented to provide pre-service teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their ability to navigate life in the sociopolitical contexts of schools. Preparing students for the realities of school life should correspond with a decrease in reality shock and the washout effect.

Understanding the Realities of Teaching: A Seminar Series Focused on Induction

The role of school teachers is becoming increasingly complex. This complexity may be even more pronounced for physical education teachers, who must often cope with additional challenges stemming from marginalization, isolation, and teacher/coach role conflict. Physical education teachers must also manage relationships with colleagues, administrators, parents, and students who may have varying perceptions of and expectations for physical education. As a result, physical education teacher education programs should include focused coursework to prepare preservice teachers for the realities of school life and their first teaching position. Doing so may reduce the reality shock and the washout effect experienced by some beginning physical education teachers by helping to bridge the transition from student to teacher. Toward this end, this article presents an example of a teacher education seminar series that includes strategies focused on inducting preservice teachers by teaching them about the realities of working in schools.

Pre-service teacher perspectives of case-based learning in physical education teacher education

Case-based learning (CBL) is a constructivist pedagogy in which students read hypothetical accounts of real world situations and consider how they would respond if facing similar challenges. In physical education teacher education, research has shown that CBL has the potential to promote critical thinking, contribute to students’ cognitive growth and affect students’ value orientations. The purpose of this study was to examine pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) impressions of and experiences with CBL. Occupational socialization theory and the shared inquiry cycle guided the use of case studies. Nineteen PSTs (6 female, 13 male) enrolled in a third-year seminar course at a large American university took part in this investigation. The PSTs read and responded to 10 unique case studies and engaged in reflection and group discussions. Data were collected from interviews, course documents and non-participant observations. Qualitative analysis revealed that the PSTs demonstrated cognitive growth as evidenced by their consideration of multiple sources of knowledge, engagement with the CBL and focusing on future teaching situations. The findings of this research suggest that CBL may provide a method for instructors to introduce new ideas and allow PSTs to consider them along with their own pre-conceived notions.

Understanding physical educators’ perceptions of mattering: Validation of the Perceived Mattering Questionnaire – Physical Education

Previous research has illustrated that physical educators feel their subject is valued less than others in the context of schools. However, to date, no instruments have been developed to measure physical education teachers’ perceptions of mattering. This study sought to propose and validate the Perceived Mattering Questionnaire – Physical Education (PMQ-PE). In total, 460 physical educators completed an online survey that measured perceived mattering, role stress, and resilience. Data analysis began with exploratory factor analysis to identify a stable two-factor structure that measured physical educators’ perceptions that they matter and that the discipline of physical education matters. Next, confirmatory factor analysis was used to affirm the factor structure and to examine convergent, discriminant, and divergent validity. The model was a good fit for the data and the PMQ-PE correlated positively with resilience and negatively with role stress. These analyses support initial validation of the PMQ-PE.

Understanding the perceived mattering of physical education teachers

ABSTRACT Previous research related to occupational socialization theory has indicated that, in certain school contexts, physical education (PE) and physical education teachers are socially constructed as being less important than, or marginal to, the primary purpose of schooling. This research highlights the challenges associated with occupying a position of marginality. Another way to look at the social experiences of physical education teachers is to examine the extent to which they feel as if they matter to those around them. Drawing upon qualitative and quantitative data sources, the purpose of this study was to examine physical education teachers’ perceived mattering. A mixed-methods design was employed, and data sources included responses to an online survey (N = 105) and individual telephone interviews (N = 23). Quantitative data were analyzed using 2 × 2 (education × teaching level) Factorial MANOVA; interview data were analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. Quantitative analyses indicated that teachers with advanced degrees and those in secondary schools perceived a higher level of mattering than those with bachelor’s degrees and teaching in elementary schools. Respondents perceived that PE mattered slightly more than they did as teachers of the subject. Qualitative analysis indicated that (a) relationships were critical to teachers’ mattering, (b) physical location of the gym and isolation contributed to mattering, and (c) PE was viewed as a service to others in their workplace. Perceived matter is dependent upon a variety of factors related to both personal and workplace factors. Enhancing teachers’ perceptions of mattering may reduce feelings of marginalization.

Initial Validation of the Physical Education Marginalization and Isolation Survey (PE-MAIS)

ABSTRACT Qualitative research conducted through occupational socialization theory has documented that physical educators feel marginalized and isolated in schools. We sought to propose and provide initial evidence of validity and reliability for the Physical Education Marginalization and Isolation Survey (PE-MAIS). Physical educators (n = 420) completed an online survey including isolation and marginalization, perceived mattering, and burnout. Data analyses began with exploratory factor analysis, which identified a stable 10-item, 2-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to affirm the structure and examine convergent, discriminant, and divergent validity. The model fit was good, χ2(34) = 71.12, p < .001, NNFI = .91, CFI = .94, SRMR = .05, RMSEA = .07 (90% CI [.052, .093], p = .03), and the new measure correlated positively with burnout and negatively with perceived mattering. Invariance analysis indicated that elementary and secondary physical educators interpreted the constructs similarly, and there were no significant differences between the groups.

Doctoral Student Socialization: Educating Stewards of the Physical Education Profession

ABSTRACT In preparing the future stewards of the physical education profession, the occupational socialization and professional development of physical education doctoral students is important to consider. To date, there has been scant scholarly inquiry into doctoral education in physical education. However, there is an abundance of research related to doctoral training in the higher education literature more generally. Drawing upon this larger body of work, this article expands occupational socialization theory to address the socialization of physical education doctoral students and faculty members. The case is made that effective doctoral training in physical education is essential to securing the future of the profession. Provided is an overview of the existing literature, presentation of an adaptation to occupational socialization theory that explains doctoral physical education socialization, and a discussion of key professional development issues that academic leaders and student support personnel should consider. Implications and recommendations for doctoral physical education leadership and academic programs are provided.

Cool PE and Confronting the Negative Stereotypes of Physical Education.

To change the publics negative perceptions, it may be necessary to change the nature of physical education programming. One way of doing so is by adopting “Cool PE,” which refers to physical education that “moves” students, empowers students with choice, and is meaningful to students outside of the gym.

Healthy Pokes: After-School Education and Mentoring to Enhance Child Health.

Childhood obesity and related health consequences are currently considered some of the most important health challenges in our nation today. Early intervention programs designed to teach healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors are imperative to addressing this issue. Evidence suggests that intervention programs offered at an earlier age may reduce the various problems that affect at-risk youth, such as poor academic performance, decreased physical health and issues relating to behavioral health. This article describes an after-school program developed to address the physical activity and health needs of at-risk youth in Laramie, WY. It discusses (1 the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing child health, (2) the Healthy Pokes program components, (3) weekly club sessions, and (4) the value of community partners.

The Effects of Achieved National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification on the Marginality of Physical Education Teachers

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between achieving The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification and feelings of marginality of physical education teachers. Data sources included a focus group interview with 6 National Board Certified Physical Education Teachers (NBCPETs) and individual phone interviews with 20 NBCPETs using an interview guide (Patton, 2007). Data were analyzed inductively using the Miles and Huberman (1984) four-stage process. Findings indicated that teachers and administrators considered National Board Certification a symbol of highly skilled teaching. Possessing this symbol changed the way the NBCPETs approached their work and how others acted toward them. NBCPETs felt more confident, more vocal, and more active in leadership positions.