Adopting Instructional Models in Physical Education: The Influence of Occupational Socialization

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the contextual and personal factors that influence teachers’ reported adoption of one or more instructional models (IMs). Methods: Participants (n = 25) were interviewed that reported adopting Sport Education; Teaching Games for Understanding; Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility; and/or Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids in their K-12 curriculum. Results: Viewed through the lens of occupational socialization theory and utilizing constant comparison methodology, the interview data were analyzed and three major themes, each with related subthemes, were developed: (a) IM adoption depends on context and socialization, (b) socializing agents influence IM adherence, and (c) IM implementation is selective. Discussion/Conclusions: Teachers vary in their rationale for adopting one or more IMs, and adherence is frequently a result of principal and student encouragement. Future efforts to disseminate IMs should consider pathways to adoption identified in this study, including teaching conventions, department supervisors, and teaching colleagues.