A1 Journal article (refereed)
Perceptions of physical education in early childhood teacher education courses (2023)

Vidoni, C., Soini, A., & Ferraz, O. L. (2023). Perceptions of physical education in early childhood teacher education courses. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 12(1), 32-53. https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/116997

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Vidoni, Carla; Soini, Anne; Ferraz, Osvaldo L.

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: 32-53

Publisher: Suomen varhaiskasvatus ry

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/116997

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86239

Additional information: Peer-reviewed articles

Abstract

The engagement in movement skills in early childhood education care is a key component of promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, the literature shows that early childhood teachers' insufficient training and lack of policies to support physical education (PE) negatively impact children's education on movement activities in their early years (Sharma et al., 2014). The aim of this case study was to describe teacher educators’ (TE) perceptions from three different countries regarding the purpose of PE in early childhood teacher education (ECTE) program. One TE from each of Brazil, Finland, and the USA was invited were the participants of this study. Data were collected through interviews and PE course syllabi. Data extracted from the interviews were analyzed inductively via an individual case and cross-case (Patton, 2001). The results showed TEs' similarities in providing preservice teachers with a better understanding of the importance of movement skills and clarifying misconceptions inherited from their past experiences. Challenges found in some ECTE contexts involved: (a) allocation of time in the ECTE curriculum is not always consistent with other academic disciplines, (b) PE courses in ECTE do not always include practicum activities, and (c) PE in ECTE sometimes is not seen as an academic subject.

Keywords: early childhood education and care; physical education (upbringing); early childhood education and care teachers; conceptions; teacher training; international comparison

Free keywords: physical education; teacher educator; preservice teacher; early childhood teacher education

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1