HKIER

Abstract

Higher education physical activity and wellness programs, also known as service, general, or basic instruction programs, play a vital role in providing thousands of undergraduates with formal and structured opportunities to develop sport-related skills, fitness and healthy lifestyle habits. These skills and conceptual knowledge are necessary for life-long recreation participation and subsequently, increased overall health well after their formal education is complete. The purpose of this research was to identify instructional concerns of physical education graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and to obtain their perspectives on and recommendations for improving their work environment. Nineteen GTAs took part in this study. Data was collected using a questionnaire that consisted of multiple demographic survey items and three open-ended questions. Qualitative case study data collection and analysis techniques were used to develop themes and categories. Major concerns expressed by the GTAs included: (a) the need for increased communication with administration, (b) obtaining instructional resources, and (c) the development of a more effective pre-teaching GTA orientation. Recommendations included: (a) providing formal opportunities for interacting with program administrators, departmental faculty, and peers within an instructional setting; (b) establishing a GTA instructional resource center within the department; and (c) formatting the pre-teaching orientation so that more emphasis was placed on instructional issues and strategies.

Keywords: teaching assistant; concerns; development

摘要

N.A.