Effect of Practica Types in Preservice Adapted Physical Education Curriculum on Attitudes Toward Disabled Populations

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of four practica situations on the attitudes of undergraduate students toward disabled individuals. Students enrolled in two undergraduate adapted physical education classes were studied during two academic quarters. They had the option of being involved in one of four practica situations. The attitudes of the students were measured with the Attitude Toward Disabled Persons scale. Interpretation of the statistical analyses revealed that, as a group, the adapted physical education students’ attitudes improved over a 10-week period and that certain practica experiences tended to affect attitudes more than others.