Physical Literacy and Teacher Training: Pilot Study

Abstract

With the appearance of physical literacy, a new approach to physical education has emerged, aimed at promoting lifelong physical activity. With the intention of exploring whether physical education teacher training programmes are in line with this trend, we analysed the conceptions of pre-service teachers. The aim of this study was to design and validate a questionnaire analysing the conceptions of students taking the degree course in the Science of Physical Activity and Sport with regard to what it means to be a physically well-educated student. A questionnaire was designed for data collection. A chi-square test was used to analyse the statistically significant differences and Cramer’s V was used to quantify the degree of association. The results show that pre-service teachers consider a physically well-educated student to be one who maintains a healthy lifestyle and has overall motor competence and self-awareness. Differences have been found between the conceptions of pre-service teachers, between universities and between the beginning and the end of training programs. A valid and reliable instrument has been obtained for analysing the conceptions of pre-service teachers. The studies reinforce the conceptions related to an active lifestyle and overall motor competence. The conceptions of pre-service teachers are within closer range of physical literacy after their studies.

Keywords

• physical literacy
• professional development
• physical education
• pre-service teachers