Moving Beyond the Pandemic: Lessons Learned in Physical Education and How to Move Forward

• In Event: Physical Education Curriculum and Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine what challenges to quality PE programming
remained or were overcome during the pandemic. Using a mixed methods approach, PE teachers
(N=607) completed an online survey about teaching physical education during the pandemic. PE
teachers (N=21) were then purposefully sampled and participated in follow-up interviews.
Teachers' perceptions of their effectiveness changed during the pandemic, and they continued to
focus on specific learning standards. Teachers explained effectiveness as a focus on student
enjoyment and social-emotional learning and less on assessments. Despite perceptions that their
effectiveness was diminished in an online setting, they improved in implementing traditional
methods. Future research should look to better assess effective teaching across traditional and
online settings.

Authors

• Erin Elizabeth Centeio, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

• Kevin Mercier, Adelphi University

• Jeanne M. Barcelona, Wayne State University

• Heather Erwin, University of Kentucky

• Alba Iara Cae Rodrigues, VidAtiva Centro de Movimento e Bem-Estar

• Karl-Richard Hennebach, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

• Paige Arvidson, Wayne State University

• Alex Garn, Louisiana State University