Quality of Teaching in Physical Education

<< Background >>We applied for this project because teaching quality is crucial for successful learning in school. Despite extensive research in general teaching quality, there is no specific framework for physical education (PE). Previous studies indicate that the general dimensions of teaching quality (structured teaching, socio-emotional climate, cognitive activation) need to be adapted for PE, particularly by including motor activation. This adaptation requires a theoretical basis that has yet to be established.Therefore, we have addressed the following needs:Lack of PE Framework: There is no widely accepted framework defining PE teaching quality. Our goal is to develop the QualiTePE framework to determine and describe the key dimensions and characteristics of high-quality PE teaching.Diverse Standards: Europe lacks consensus on good PE teaching. We'll collaborate to establish common educational goals and methods.Evaluation Tools: There's a shortage of standardized PE teaching evaluation tools. We'll create QualiTePE for formative assessment.Our goal is to enhance PE teaching quality, provide evidence-based evaluation tools, and support professional development across Europe.<< Objectives >>In the QualiTePE project, we aimed to convene experts from various European countries to establish a unified understanding of high-quality PE teaching and formulate the QualiTePE framework concept, delineating key teaching dimensions and characteristics in PE. Defining high-quality PE teaching hinged on national educational goals and subject-didactic concepts, explored through a Delphi survey involving HEI instructors from ten partner countries. Drawing on existing reviews, empirical studies, and HEI curricula, the QualiTePE framework aimed to enhance teacher education across Europe, standardizing and elevating teaching quality. Utilizing this framework, we operationalized PE teaching characteristics and dimensions to develop a digital QualiTePE evaluation tool. This tool facilitated evidence-based assessments by teachers, HEI instructors, and students, fostering professional development and a culture of feedback. It aimed to systematically enhance teaching quality in PE, supporting teacher education through materials for theoretical and practical implementation, aiding student teachers in reflective practice and continuous development.<< Implementation >>The project aimed to achieve three main objectives through its implementation:Establishing a Unified Framework: We sought to unite experts across Europe to define high-quality PE teaching through the QualiTePE framework. This framework was designed to articulate essential teaching dimensions and characteristics specific to PE, considering diverse national educational goals and subject-specific concepts.Developing Evaluation Tools: Our goal was to create the QualiTePE digital evaluation instrument. This tool enabled teachers, HEI instructors, and students to assess PE teaching quality based on defined criteria. It aimed to foster evidence-based evaluation, professional development, and a robust feedback culture in PE.Enhancing Teacher Education: By integrating the QualiTePE framework and evaluation instrument into teacher education at HEIs, we aimed to standardize and elevate PE teaching quality across Europe. The project included developing materials to support instructors in teaching the framework concept and implementing it practically, empowering student teachers with tools for self-assessment and continuous improvement.These efforts aimed to make the characteristics of effective PE teaching visible, systematically improving teaching quality in both the short and long term.<< Results >>During the 30-month project, nine key outputs were developed in three phases led by the main project partners:Phase I - Universität Hamburg:Mapping and Literature Review: Created an overview and knowledge base on teaching quality in PE across Europe (M1-M4).Delphi Consensus Study: Conducted a research study to establish consensus on PE teaching quality in Europe, producing a comprehensive report (M4-M6).QualiTePE Framework Development: Developed the theoretical and methodological framework for QualiTePE (M6-M9).Phase II.1 - Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich4. QualiTePE Questionnaire: Designed and refined the QualiTePE questionnaire as an evaluation method (M9-M13 / M25-M30).5. Digital Evaluation Tool: Created the digital QualiTePE evaluation tool, an interactive resource (M9-M14 / M25-M30).Phase II.2 - Fontys University of applied Sciences6. Pilot Study: Implemented and validated the questionnaire and evaluation tool through pilot studies (M9-M14 / M25-M30).7. Implementation and Evaluation Study: Conducted an implementation and evaluation study, generating a detailed research report (M13-M27).Phase III - Université du Luxembourg 8. Handbook and Guidance Material: Produced manuals, handbooks, and guidance materials for implementing the QualiTePE framework and tool (M9-M14 / M25-M30).9. Teacher Educator Toolkit: Developed a toolkit to support teacher educators in implementing and disseminating QualiTePE (M9-M14 / M25-M30).These outputs aimed to enhance understanding and standardization of PE teaching quality across Europe, providing practical tools and resources for educators and institutions.