Teaching outdoor and adventure activities: an investigation of a primary school physical education professional development p

Purpose of the Study 
The purpose of this research was to develop an understanding of the perspectives of the 
case study teachers teaching physical education. The research questions to be addressed 
were; 
What is the participant teachers’ background? 
What is current teacher practice in relation to physical education? 
What is the physical education professional development history of the staff?
What are the teachers’ attitudes towards physical education and physical 
activity? 
What methodologies and strategies are used by the teachers in the teaching of 
physical education? 
What are the main barriers and supports experienced by the teacher in teaching 
physical education?
What are the teachers’ professional development needs? 
This study reports on the gathering of data, prior to inform the design of a professional 
development programme in physical education using a whole school approach.
 
Methodology 
The research design employed mixed methods using questionnaires and 
interviews. A 38 item questionnaire consisting of closed, open and 8 likert scale type 
questions in 4 sections, and was developed informed by previous research surveys. The 
sections were a. biographical details, b. your background in physical education, c. you 
and physical education, d. your experience of teaching physical education. Data from 
the questionnaire informed subsequent focus group interviews. Focus group interviews 
reflected teachers’ planning groups as these were deemed the most appropriate method 
of assessing teachers’ perspectives in relation to the teaching of physical education in 
their school. Interviews were facilitated by the Principal. All class teachers (n=28) 
consented to take part in focus group interviews. All interviews were recorded with the 
teachers’ permission and transcribed verbatim, categorised and themed using systematic 
content analysis as outlined by Charmaz (2006). Informal discussions took place with 
the school Principal and were recorded as field notes.

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