Exploring and understanding your own experiences and beliefs as a physical education teacher

This chapter explains the relationship between the evolution of beliefs and socialization. Many physical education teachers enter the profession because they have been successful in physical education, physical activity and/or sport, they love working with children and young people and they want to continue having an association with physical activity and/or sport. Most commonly, personal factors influencing someone entering initial teacher education are the following: an interest in, and are good at, physical education, physical activity and/or sport; enjoy working with children and young people; and were influenced by teachers, parents and friends. Situational factors are associated with socio-economic status and academic achievement which affect access to physical activity and sporting opportunities and academic progression. Developing skills of reflexivity provides a basis for development and should later provide the foundation of pedagogical change that may implement. In dialogue with two teachers, identify their underlying beliefs in respect of physical education and how they think this informs their work with pupils.