Scheduled for Pedagogy II Posters, Friday, April 4, 2003, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall A


First Experiences of a Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Professor: A Case Study

Gary Neist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

Studies on K-12 teachers experiences at their new jobs showed there are problems in this adjustment from student to teacher (e.g. Napper-Owen, G & Phillips, D, 1995). Studies also have been done on professors in general, adjusting to their jobs (Dinham, S. M., 1999; Menges, R. J., 1999). However, little research has been done on how physical education teacher education (PETE) professors adjust to their new life as new professors (e.g. MacDonald, D. & Tinning, R., 1995). The purpose of this case study was to examine the first year experiences and reflections of one PETE professor. Specifically, the phenomenon examined was one new PETE educator's entry experiences and illustrates the successes, problems, and dilemmas of entry into Higher Education. This purposely-selected PETE professor had, based on the newness of his degree, the availability for doing a study. The sources of data consisted of documents, interviews, and field notes, and were analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). The data was examined for trustworthiness through three methods triangulation, extensive-constant contact with the participant, and member checking. The data were organized into patterns, themes, and sub-themes and then having a peer debriefer who helped to stop any personal biases being entered in. Four major themes emerged as findings in this study, time, collegiality, assessment and reflection. For time, Dr. Michael Anderson had problems with 1) fitting in, 2) stress, 3) the teaching load, 4) research-writing time, and 5) balancing work with personal life. Collegiality had several sub-themes such as priorities, willingness to ask for help, ability to see how much collegiality was in the department before accepting a job. For the assessment theme, the job of preparing for tenure review and retention was easy to do but stressful until notification of retention. For the reflection theme, first this study’s interview was a way to reflect back on his experiences in becoming a professor. Second, Michael adopted reflection as a method of coping with his new job. One implication was choosing not to fit in because of decisions to leave the university made early in his first year. Additionally, these first experiences of a PETE professor might help in the development of additional doctoral level courses, and aid in the adjustment to the challenges of their new profession.

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