Individual and Contextual Factors Associated with Classroom Teachers' Intentions to Implement Classroom Physical...

Area of Science:

• Education
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Classroom-based physical activity (CPA) is an evidence-based strategy to enhance student physical activity.
• National data indicate insufficient implementation of CPA in U.S. classrooms.
• Understanding factors influencing teacher implementation intentions is crucial for improving CPA adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate individual and contextual factors associated with elementary school teachers' intentions to implement CPA.
• To identify key determinants of CPA adoption among teachers.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 181 elementary school teachers across 10 schools.
• Data were collected from three separate cohorts.
• Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between constructs and CPA implementation intentions.

Main Results:

• Perceived autonomy, relative advantage, and general openness to innovation were positively linked to CPA implementation intentions.
• Teacher perceptions of administrator support for CPA were also significantly associated with implementation intentions.
• These individual and contextual factors are important predictors of teachers' intentions to use CPA.

Conclusions:

• Teacher perceptions of autonomy, innovation compatibility, and administrative backing are vital for promoting CPA implementation.
• Future interventions should target malleable factors like teacher perceptions and school environments.
• Enhancing teacher autonomy, training, and resources is necessary to improve CPA adoption and skill development.