Elementary and Secondary Classroom Teachers' Efficacy for Providing Physical Activity Breaks

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable 2. Beyond Physical Education: Physical Activity in Other Spaces

Abstract

Teachers who feel efficacious about providing physical activity (PA) opportunities and who participate in PA themselves are more likely to have physically active students. The purpose of this study was to better understand classroom teacher's self-efficacy and how it relates to providing PA breaks. 594 classroom teachers across four districts and 50 elementary schools participated in the study. The previously validated, 18-item Teacher Efficacy Toward Providing Physical Activity Opportunities Scale was used. Results showed teachers overall level of efficacy was moderate, and there were differences among teachers' efficacy in relation to sex, grade-level taught, and class size. The results suggest future studies are needed to better understand classroom teacher efficacy and the impact that it has on youth physical activity.

Authors

• Erin Elizabeth Centeio, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Jeanne M. Barcelona, Wayne State University

• E. Whitney G. Moore, Wayne State University

• Hayley McKown, University of Idaho

• Heather Erwin, University of Kentucky