An empirical model for pre-service primary school teacher education (Physical Education) based on findings of a generalist to semi-specialist teacher continuum

Abstract

The Pre-service Model of Primary School Teacher Education (Physical Education) was the major finding of a mixed method investigation of pre-service generalist teachers' perceptions of preparedness to teach Physical Education. Participants were tertiary students enrolled in Primary Teaching degrees at an Australian university. A feature of these degree programs was an elective specialisation in Physical Education. For this context, analysis of data from 400 surveys and 19 research interviews resulted in descriptions for perceptions of preparedness to teach Physical Education, learning-to-teach Physical Education, and a generalist to semi-specialist teacher continuum. The pre-service model triangulates these descriptions. The research basis for the model is presented then discussed in terms of possibilities for future research and practice in Primary School Teacher Education (Physical Education).