Student teachers' ways of experiencing the objective of health education as a school subject: A phenomenographic study

• Published in: Teaching and teacher education Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 941 - 948
• Main Authors: Paakkari, L., Tynjälä, P., Kannas, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Conceptions; Courses; Curriculum; Educational Objectives; Essays; Health Education; Interviews; Personal growth; Phenomenography; Preservice Teacher Education; Preservice Teachers; School subject health education; Student teacher; Teacher Attitudes; Teachers; Ways of experiencing; Student teacher; Ways of experiencing; Conceptions; School subject health education; Phenomenography
• ISSN: 0742-051X; 1879-2480
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2009.10.035

The aim of this phenomenographic study was to identify student teachers' ( N = 20) ways of experiencing health education as a school subject, using semi-structured interviews and essays. The findings indicated that the target phenomenon was discussed through the general objective of the subject in five ways: health education as 1) a context for delivering theoretical knowledge, 2) a channel for providing pupils with practical knowledge and skills to contribute to health-related choices, 3) a means to promote pupils' self-regulative knowledge and independent thinking, 4) a context for personal growth, and 5) a means for developing responsible behavior in society. The hierarchically-ordered categories arrived at varied along six themes of expanding awareness. The findings can be used as a basis for planning educational settings, with a view to deepening student teachers' understanding.