Philippe Chaubet

Perceptions of group exercise courses and instructors among Quebec adults

Background Group exercise courses are popular among adults, but dropout rates are high. Studies of relationships between participants’ perceptions and their participation might highlight factors to target to improve adherence and re-enrolment. Methods We used a mixed-methods approach to analyse perceptions of group exercise courses and instructors among 463 adults. Participants completed the Exercise Barriers and Benefits Scale, questionnaires on perceptions of the instructor and course, and non-participation. We assessed participation from weeks 2–4 and 5–10, and re-enrolment. We analysed relationships between perceptions and re-enrolment using linear regression and mediation analyses. We conducted group interviews with 11 participants. Results Predictors of re-enrolment included early participation (β=0.11, P=0.029) and perceptions of the group social climate (P=0.027). Perceptions of the group mediated the relationship between early participation and re-enrolment (95% CI 0.0036 to 0.0471): early participation predicted more positive perceptions (β=2.11, P=0.003), which predicted re-enrolment (β=0.01, P=0.006). Qualitative analyses highlighted instructors’ roles in promoting social exchange and integrating participants into the group. Conclusions The social climate of group exercise courses is a key factor predicting re-enrolment. Early participation predicts re-enrolment on its own, and also promotes positive perceptions of the group. Instructors can target these factors by sensitising participants to the importance of early participation, and promoting social exchange.

Desafíos metodológicos para el estudio de la reflexión en contexto de formación docente

The present article covers three of our papers on critical thinking and the methodological approaches used in each one of them. It is a logical consequence of another one published by the same research team in 2010, revealing a critical view upon critical thinking. To begin with, this text stablishes the concept of critical thinking in order to, then, present each particular research, as well as to show the methodological difficulties undergone in order to confront the process and the process of critical thinking. The description of the research and the analytical dialogue developed by the team allow to stablish that the observation of critical thinking in an initial learning context needs manifestations of the order of actions or language. This implies temporal aliening due to the cannel or instrument. Conclusions allow arguing that it is necessary that those deciding upon planning and contents understand that one thing is proposing the critical initial formation and another one is to have the resources and tools necessary to accomplish that goal.

Methodological challenges for the study of the reflection in a teaching training context

The present article covers three of our papers on critical thinking and the methodological approaches used in each one of them. It is a logical consequence of another one published by the same research team in 2010, revealing a critical view upon critical thinking. To begin with, this text stablishes the concept of critical thinking in order to, then, present each particular research, as well as to show the methodological difficulties undergone in order to confront the process and the process of critical thinking. The description of the research and the analytical dialogue developed by the team allow to stablish that the observation of critical thinking in an initial learning context needs manifestations of the order of actions or language. This implies temporal aliening due to the cannel or instrument. Conclusions allow arguing that it is necessary that those deciding upon planning and contents understand that one thing is proposing the critical initial formation and another one is to have the resources and tools necessary to accomplish that goal.

Desafíos metodológicos para o estudo da reflexão no contexto da formação de professores

The present article covers three of our papers on critical thinking and the methodological approaches used in each one of them. It is a logical consequence of another one published by the same research team in 2010, revealing a critical view upon critical thinking. To begin with, this text stablishes the concept of critical thinking in order to, then, present each particular research, as well as to show the methodological difficulties undergone in order to confront the process and the process of critical thinking. The description of the research and the analytical dialogue developed by the team allow to stablish that the observation of critical thinking in an initial learning context needs manifestations of the order of actions or language. This implies temporal aliening due to the cannel or instrument. Conclusions allow arguing that it is necessary that those deciding upon planning and contents understand that one thing is proposing the critical initial formation and another one is to have the resources and tools necessary to accomplish that goal.