posted on 2017-05-19, 13:39authored byEileen McEvoy, Pilvikki Heikinaro-Johansson, Ann Mac PhailAnn Mac Phail
The aim of this paper was to gain an understanding of the views of a group
of physical education teacher educators on the purpose(s) of school
physical education and whether, how and why these views have
changed over time. Semi-structured individual interviews were carried
out with thirteen physical education teacher educators; a fourteenth
participant responded to interview questions in writing. Participants
were based in seven countries: Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New
Zealand, Switzerland and the USA. A relative consensus on the
overarching purpose of physical education was evident, centred on
physical education preparing young people for a lifetime of physical
activity. The framing of this shared purpose differed somewhat between
participants, reflecting a range of perspectives on the value of physical
activity. Delineating the boundaries of their subject, participants
characterised obesity prevention and maximising in-class physical
activity as potential by-products rather than as goals of the subject. The
views of many had changed over time, influenced by such factors as
findings from research, societal expectations and a perceived need to
legitimise physical education within school and university contexts. We
note that many of the influences acting on the views of the physical
education teacher educators are also known to affect practicing
teachers. This suggests a possibility, in the open reflection of physical
education teacher educators on the interaction between their views and
the institutional and societal contexts within which they work, to
provide future teachers with alternative value pathways paved with
relatable explanations and shared experiences.
History
Publication
Sport Education and Society;pp.1-13
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Note
peer-reviewed
Other Funding information
Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
Rights
This is an Author's Manuscript of an article whose final and definitive form, the Version of Record, has been published in Sport Education and Society 2015 copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2015.1075971