A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physical education in Finnish early childhood teacher education-curricula and preservice teachers' perceptions (2023)

Soini, A., Takalo, S., Kalari, J., & Iivonen, S. (2023). Physical education in Finnish early childhood teacher education-curricula and preservice teachers' perceptions. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 12(1), 6-31. https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/116364

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Soini, Anne; Takalo, Susanna; Kalari, Joonas; Iivonen, Susanna

Journal or series: Journal of Early Childhood Education Research

eISSN: 2323-7414

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 06/02/2023

Volume: 12

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 6-31

Publisher: Suomen varhaiskasvatus ry

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/116364

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86240

Additional information: Peer-reviewed articles

Abstract

Physical education (PE) course curricula in Finnish universities were reviewed and compared, and 274 preservice teachers' perceptions of their PE studies in Finnish early childhood teacher education (ECTE) programmes were investigated using quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of the inductive content analysis revealed both knowledge- and skill-based learning outcomes, with teaching skills receiving the most emphasis. One-way ANOVAs revealed that the preservice teachers were relatively satisfied with their PE studies. They reported being prepared for teaching PE and provided detailed information on the policies regulating early childhood education and care (ECEC). However, they perceived their training with children as insufficient and felt they would have benefited from further training in inclusive PE. Preservice teachers reported inculcating joy of movement as the most important aim of PE teaching in ECEC. These findings suggest that future PE course curricula should place greater emphasis on teaching joy of movement, provide more knowledge on inclusive PE, and include more practical training with children. It is recommended that PE studies in Finnish ECTE should continue to account for at least five ECTS.

Keywords: early childhood education and care; physical education (upbringing); curricula; early childhood education and care teachers; teacher training

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1