Practitioners' Perspectives on Physical Education Teacher Preparation Participants / Bryan A. McCullick.

This study examined 18 physical educators' perspectives on the requisite characteristics needed for participants in physical education teacher education. Participants completed interviews, and data were analyzed using analytic induction. Interpretivism and teacher socialization theories were used to analyze the data. Participants believed undergraduates should: possess a love for physical activity; be physically fit; possess a love for children and people; and be flexible. They also believed that in order for teacher education faculty to effectively prepare teachers, they should: be credible; display a love for physical activity; and have concern for undergraduates and their development as teachers. Finally, participants believed that cooperating teachers should: exhibit a commitment to the profession; display effectiveness as teachers; and embody such personal characteristics as honesty and adaptability. The data provide teacher educators with input in three areas: the type of student who would likely be successful as a physical educator; the characteristics that make teacher educators effective; and the characteristics that lead to being an effective cooperating teacher. The data give voice to those who practice the profession of teaching physical education on the topic of the preparation of teachers for public schools. (Contains 50 references.) (Author/SM)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.