ERIC Number: EJ999461
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-4805
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Available Date: N/A
The Impact of Professional Development about Weight-Related Issues for Pre-Service Teachers: A Pilot Study
Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Ireland, Alana; Peat, Gavin
Alberta Journal of Educational Research, v58 n3 p314-329 Fall 2012
Many teachers do not have a working knowledge of body image or weight issues. This pilot project examined body image satisfaction and eating/weight-related behaviours before and after a professional in-service with physical education pre-service teachers (N = 16). At the three-month follow-up, measures were repeated and qualitative data (critical incidents and a focus group) about the impact on teaching practice was collected. Results showed no significant changes, however pre-service teachers indicated (a) attempting to lose weight or gain muscle (despite many being in a healthy weight range), and (b) having a biased approach to weight-related issues. Pre-service teachers, particularly those specializing in physical education, are not immune to cultural messages that perpetuate the thin ideal. Future evaluation with a larger sample that formally measures implicit and explicit weight-bias is needed. Providing professional development for pre-service teachers may promote more positive practice about body image, weight-bias, and weight/eating-related concerns in schools.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Self Concept, Professional Development, Focus Groups, Student Teacher Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Preservice Teacher Education, Body Weight, Human Body, Physical Education Teachers, Cultural Influences, Social Attitudes
University of Alberta, Faculty of Education. 845 Education Centre South, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada. Tel: 780-492-7941; Fax: 780-492-0236; Web site: http://ajer.synergiesprairies.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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