Physical Education Teachers' Experiences with Remote Instruction during the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Journal of teaching in physical education Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 337 - 342
• Main Authors: Mercier, Kevin, Centeio, Erin, Garn, Alex, Erwin, Heather, Marttinen, Risto, Foley, John
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Human Kinetics, Inc 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Access to Computers; Assignments; COVID-19; Distance Education; Equal Education; Health Related Fitness; Instructional Effectiveness; Pandemics; Physical Activities; Physical Education; Physical Education Teachers; Rural Education; Secondary School Teachers; Teaching Experience; Teaching Methods; Video Technology
• ISSN: 0273-5024
• DOI: 10.1123/jtpe.2020-0272

This study investigated physical education (PE) teachers' experiences with remote instruction in the United States during the initial outbreak of COVID-19. PE teachers (n = 4,362) from all 50 states completed a survey identifying their experiences with remote instruction in May, 2020. Survey responses were analyzed by geographic region, district type, and school level. Teachers reported having students submit assignments (51% yes), using video instruction (37% yes), being less effective when instructing remotely (20% yes), and emphasizing student outcomes focused on health-related fitness (32% yes), and physical activity value/enjoyment (43% yes). Access to technology (40% yes) and required student assignments (43% yes) were lowest among teachers from the South. Rural teachers reported the least access to technology (37% yes) and rated themselves as least effective (24% yes). Secondary level teachers reported the highest percentage of required assignments (84% yes). Teachers' responses identify unique challenges to delivering equitable and effective remote PE instruction.