Graduation Year
2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Curriculum and Instruction
Major Professor
Haichun Sun, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Sara B. Flory, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Nell Faucette, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Diana Rancourt, Ph.D.
Keywords
Self-Determination Theory, Physical Education, Occupational Socialization
Abstract
This study examined the reasons individuals choose to become physical educators. Understanding these PE teacher candidates’ motivating factors for choosing this career is important as nearly half of all new teachers will leave the profession within the first three years of teaching (Ensign & Mays Woods, 2017). Using the theoretical framework of Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, (1984) motivation levels of the PE teacher candidates’ were also examined. For this study, six PE teacher candidates answered both the Attractors and Facilitators for Physical Educators questionnaire and the Academic Motivation Scale. The participants also participated in two semi-structured interviews examining their motivation for wanting to become physical educators. Results showed the main attractors for choosing a career in PE were: service and sport and physical activity. The main facilitators driving these PE teacher candidates were: their subjective warrant and their identification with teachers.
Scholar Commons Citation
Wylie, Rebecca C., ""You Want to Teach What?" An Examination of Physical Education Teacher Candidates' Motivation to Teach Physical Education" (2020). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/8501
