Differences between All Level Physical Education Majors and Elementary Education Majors in an Experimental Teaching Unit.

Overview & Synopsis

The purpose of this study was to assess the differences between all level (K-12) physical education majors and elementary education majors with a specialization in physical education. An experimental teaching unit (ETU) with pre and posttests was used to determine student achievement, and differences between teaching groups in various criterion process variables. The entry group of all level physical education majors was compared against a group of student teachers who taught with the exact ETU. Results indicated that the two entry level groups were basically equal in overall teaching effectiveness. However, entry level physical education majors were more effective teachers than the student teacher group based on student achievement, feedback, and in assessed criterion process variables (management, activity, motor engagement and academic learning time). (Author)