Journal article
Pre-service PEMAC teachers' perspectives on primary school PE: an intervention study in the Fiji Islands
Curriculum studies in health and physical education, Vol.First online
21/11/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Education Publications
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Abstract
Physical Education (PE) in primary schools is crucial for developing foundational skills supporting children's interactions with physical activity. Although PE is considered a core subject in Fiji, it does not appear prominent in either classroom practice or Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program design. This study aimed to capture the voice of the B.Ed. (Primary) teacher training students to explore the perceived efficacy of the current degree design in supporting their PE teaching practice in terms of both confidence and competence. The research team adopted a mixed-methods design to gain richer insights, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques. A survey tool was developed to collect quantitative data, while focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gather qualitative insights. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the quantitative data, while an inductive approach guided qualitative data analysis using Braun and Clarke's (2006, 2019) thematic analysis framework. The study explored two key themes: (i) the viewpoint of PE and (ii) broadening the scope of opportunities for growth. The findings revealed limited content coverage, a lack of confidence in PE content delivery, and inadequate training resources. Participants strongly advocated for curriculum reform, enhanced practicum support, and integration of innovative, technology-driven pedagogies.
Details
- Title
- Pre-service PEMAC teachers' perspectives on primary school PE: an intervention study in the Fiji Islands
- Creators
- Awadhesh Kumar Shirotriya - Amity University (India, Noida)Fabiano Tikoinavuso - Fiji National UniversityLana Mccarthy - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew Winslade - Charles Sturt University
- Publication Details
- Curriculum studies in health and physical education, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 18
- Identifiers
- 991013329956002368
- Copyright
- © 2025 Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article