The process(es) of learning about teaching using models-based practice: Pre-service teachers’ experiences

Abstract

This research takes on the recommendation to continue examining the use of models-based practice (MbP) in diverse contexts by considering pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) experiences of learning to teach using MbP in a physical education teacher education (PETE) program in Norway. Guided by the theory of a pedagogy of teacher education ( Loughran, 2006 ), this research was driven by the question: “What are PSTs’ experiences of learning about teaching using MbP in one comprehensive PETE course?” The context was a 15-credit PETE course taught collaboratively by four teacher educators to two cohorts of first-year undergraduate PSTs (25 PSTs in each cohort). Data were generated through a total of 24 focus group interviews with eight PST groups before, during, and upon completion of the course. A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive theme development enabled us to produce knowledge of how PSTs’ learning evolved through four phases: (a) (traditional) assumptions about physical education and teacher education, (b) learning about and through a new way of teaching and learning physical education, (c) challenging and being challenged by the traditional “gym” culture in schools, and (d) understanding what it means to be and become a (physical education) teacher. This research offers support to claims about the challenges in creating coherence at different levels in PSTs’ learning experiences in a Norwegian PETE program. At the same time, we show that MbP can provide PSTs with a coherent learning experience, potentially resulting in changes to how PSTs think about teaching physical education.