Teaching in 360 Degrees: Virtual Reality to Prepare Teachers for Behavior Management in Physical Education.

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Instructional Innovation and Learner Outcomes in PE/PETE

Abstract

Despite completing practical tutorials, pre-service teachers often feel underprepared for managing behavior in real physical education (PE) classrooms. Many graduate without ever having taught a PE class during placement, with their first real classroom experience occurring after employment, highlighting a critical gap in Initial Teacher Education. This study investigates the use of Virtual Reality (VR) simulations as a bridging tool to address that gap. Using 360° footage recorded by PE teachers in real-life classrooms, immersive videos were created highlighting behavioral complexity, teacher positioning, and classroom dynamics. Students in two Initial Teacher Education units engaged with the simulations and completed pre- and post-surveys, with findings indicating increased confidence and improved recognition of behavioral management cues.

Authors

• Luke Parker, Australian Catholic University

• Renata Cinelli, Australian Catholic University