Student Perceptions of University Physical Activity Instruction Courses Taught Utilizing Sport Education

Authors

  • Derek J. Mohr
  • Benjamin A. Sibley
  • J. Scott Townsend

Abstract

Limited research exists on effective teaching methods in university physical activity instruction (PAI) program courses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PAI courses taught utilizing a sport education curriculum and instructional model. The Individual Development and Educational Assessment (IDEA) teaching evaluation was administered to students (n = 306) in PAI classes during the last week of each 10 and one-half week course. The IDEA includes student self-evaluations of progress on course objectives as well as evaluations of teaching approaches used by course instructors: stimulating student interest (SSI), fostering student collaboration (FSC), establishing rapport (ER), encouraging student involvement (ESI), and structuring classroom experiences (SCE). The instrument also includes overall ratings of the course and the teacher. Results indicated that student ratings of progress on course objectives were high (M = 4.20, on a 5-point Likert scale). Evaluations of the teaching approaches used by course instructors were also high (SSI = 4.44, FSC = 4.50, ER = 4.36, ESI = 4.04, SCE = 4.54) and compare favorably to published norms in the PE discipline. Overall ratings of the courses (M = 4.34) and the instructors (M = 4.63) also compared favorably to published norms (M = 4.16, M = 4.33, respectively). This study demonstrates that PAI courses taught utilizing a sport education teaching model are effective in terms of both student self-evaluations of progress on course objectives and ratings of teaching effectiveness.

Downloads

Published

2012-10-22

Issue

Section

Articles