Education Commons^™

Preparing Paraprofessionals To Be Effective In Physical Education, Chelsey Lieffring

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Students with autism often struggle in their physical education class due to the complex needs that arise in a gymnasium. When the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) program is implemented, students are engaged with their peers and are able to be successful in a challenging environment through visual schedules, physical structure, and task organization. It’s important that paraprofessionals and physical education teachers are aware of this programming in order to decrease challenging behaviors and increase student success in the physical education setting.

Paraprofessionals are such a vital part of the special education team. They are …

The Effectiveness Of Practicums On Preservice Physical Educators’ Attitudes And Self-Efficacy Toward Teaching Individuals With Disabilities., Megan E. Johnson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The aim of this study was to explain the effects a practicum had on the attitudes and perceived self-efficacy of preservice physical educators toward teaching students with disabilities in an inclusive learning environment. Existing literature established most physical educators receive one semester-long course in adapted physical education (APE), which often leads to feelings of unpreparedness and negative attitudes toward teaching students with disabilities in the general physical education (GenPE) classroom. The present study utilized a mixed-methods approach to combine quantitative data results from the Physical Educators Attitudes toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities (PEATID-III) survey (Rizzo, 1993) and qualitative data findings …

Developing Mental Toughness In Collegiate Football: A Phenomenological Study, Tarrah D. Bisch

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to enhance the phenomenon of mental toughness, by addressing the literature gap of how mental toughness can be developed in college football. This qualitative study used a tri-level snowball method, first interviewing head coach participants recommended from a collegiate football expert. Then, interviewing assistant coaches who were recommended by each head coach. Lastly, interviewing a focus group of current collegiate football athletes, who were recommended by both head coaches and assistant coaches. This study addressed four research questions surrounding the development of mental toughness in college football athletes, the differences between coaches’ and athletes’ …