Motivations of Pre-Service Teachers in Physical Education to Incorporate Outdoor Education in K-12 Physical Education School Programs

Abstract

There is strong national endorsement for including outdoor adventure and challenge activities in the physical education classroom yet, for whatever reasons, PE practitioners still cling to the traditional sport oriented method of physical education. Still, sports and games remain in the realm of PE and outdoor skills activities remain in the realm of OE. This behavior implies a misperception of where and how to incorporate outdoor education focused physical skills lessons. This study describes how current PE and OE pre-service teachers perceive the PE/OE pre-service landscape, and the motivations leading them to choose one program major over the other. Students who are currently enrolled in degree required courses in either PE or OE teacher preparation programs at the University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Wisconsin Lacrosse and the University of Wisconsin Steven’s Point were surveyed. The findings of this study reveals that there are college student who have an interest in providing outdoor education, but are not particularly interested in teaching it to kids in the formal school setting. And that there are college student who are interested in teaching kids in a formal school setting, but are not be particularly interested in providing outdoor education. Developing students who have both an interest in outdoor education and an interest in teaching in the formal setting is just one important step. Equally important is that all parties invested in the health and well being of our children create an environment within our physical education system that is accepting of outdoor education principles and supportive of its advocates.