“Don't Use Balloons on Windy Days”: Elementary Education Majors' Perceptions of Teaching Physical Education

Abstract

Abstract Elementary teachers are frequently expected to provide physical education in addition to classroom instruction. Because of this, many institutions require that elementary education majors take a physical education methods course, though the impact of such courses has not been studied. This study explored the reflective insights of elementary education majors following their first field experience teaching physical education. Areas of reflection included their understanding and attitudes about children, themselves as teachers, and of teaching physical education. Four hundred and twenty-four preservice elementary teachers participated in this qualitative study. Findings indicated that these preservice teachers appeared to have increased their teaching skill, understanding of children, and awareness of physical education as a content area.