Reflections in the Water: Physical Education Teacher Education Program Influences on Current Expanded Physical Activity Programming

• In Event: Physical Activity and Cognition in Physical Education

Abstract

Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) programs are a critical point in the path to becoming a physical educator. The professional socialization phase of Teacher Socialization theory (Lawson, 1983) and Rogers (2003) Diffusion of were used in this study in which Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) was the innovation of interest. Data included school observations and interviews with 13 graduates from a single PETE program with CSPAP integration. Constant comparison was used to identify common themes related to graduates’ perceptions of and practices related to CSPAP. Graduates after the PETE program integrated CSPAP were more knowledgeable about CSPAP. Positive perceptions were noted with two themes of Connections & Strategies, and Voices of Influence contributing to these perceptions.

Authors

• Shannon C. Mulhearn, University of Nebraska - Kearney

• Pamela Hodges Kulinna

• Hans Van Der Mars, Arizona State University

• Jaimie McMullen, University of Northern Colorado

• Michalis Stylianou, University of Queensland

• Douglas W. Ellison, Kent State University - Kent