Perceptions of Undergraduate Students on Their Growth and Professional Development Through the University Homeschool Physical Education Program

Abstract

Homeschool physical education (PE) teaching experiences allow undergraduate students the opportunity to enhance their teaching skills, practice practical behavior management strategies, and gain first-hand lesson execution experience. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of undergraduate preservice students on their growth and professional development through the homeschool experience. Eight pre-service PE teachers (ages 19-22) who completed a homeschool PE program during fall 2022 semester were recruited. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews regarding students' experiences and perceptions. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Qualitative analysis methods were used to discover the themes. The seven common themes were emerged from the interview: 1) enhancement of content and pedagogical knowledge, 2) positive feeling of improved confidence and personal growth, 3) enjoyment of teaching in a controlled environment within early field experiences, 4) gaining experience teaching diverse populations other than public school setting, 5) connecting theory and practice, 6) sense of professional growth, and 7) negative impact of peer presence and feedback. Overall, participants in this study shared their mostly positive experiences and perceptions on their personal professional growth. Therefore, PE programs should continue to provide pre-service teachers with homeschool PE teaching experience as an early field experience.