Learning to Teach Again: What Professional Development Approach Matters?

Area of Science:

• Education
• Physical Education
• Health Education

Background:

• Continuing professional development (CPD) is crucial for educators.
• Effective CPD strategies are needed to enhance student learning outcomes in health and physical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of three distinct continuing professional development (CPD) approaches on student learning.
• To determine the effectiveness of Full Training, Expedited Training, and Self-Training in a healthful living physical education curriculum.

Main Methods:

• 19 physical education teachers participated in one of three CPD training conditions.
• Student learning was assessed for 3,418 students using a two-level linear mixed model to analyze knowledge gains.

Main Results:

• Full Training CPD resulted in the most significant knowledge gain in both the Healthy Lifestyles Unit (β = 0.214, p < .001) and the Cardio Fitness Club Unit (β = 0.184, p < .01).
• Expedited Training showed moderate benefits, while Self-Training yielded the least learning achievement.

Conclusions:

• The Full Training approach to CPD is most effective in enhancing student learning in healthful living and physical education.
• Findings underscore the importance of comprehensive CPD for improving student outcomes in cardiorespiratory fitness and health lifestyles.