A First-Year Physical Educator's Attempt to Navigate Challenges in an Urban School

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable 1. Examining Teaching Through the Teachers Eyes: Research With Physical Education Teachers

Abstract

This action research project sought to understand the experience of one first-year physical educator attempting to implement restorative practices in an under-resourced urban school. Three participants (1 middle school physical education teacher; 2 physical education teacher education professors) worked collaboratively to help address persistent challenges with lesson implementation and behavior management. Data were collected through weekly multimedia communication, one program observation, open ended interviews, journaling, and school artifacts. Three qualitative themes include (a) finding teachable moments to use restorative practices, (b) success building relationships through a restorative approach, and (c) lack of school-level support for the integration of restorative practices. Findings suggest that an action-oriented approach can be useful in assisting physical educators with overcoming challenges in urban schools.

Authors

• Michael A. Hemphill, University of North Carolina Greensboro

• Risto Marttinen, George Mason University

• Clyde Lee

• K. Andrew R. Richards, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign