Dissertation
Examining the effect of occupational socialization on principals' leadership of physical education programs: a phenomenological study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000133
Abstract
This study examined the occupational socialization experiences of school principals and the influence on the quality of physical education. Previous research has shown that an educator's K-12 experiences (referred to as acculturation socialization) within physical education has a substantial impact on their professional opinions about PE and how to teach PE. To date, few studies have explored how those acculturation socialization experiences influence the leadership decisions a principal makes related to PE. The following three questions motivate this study: (1) How do principals perceive and make meaning of their acculturation experiences in PE? (2) How do those acculturation experiences influence their perceptions of PE programs? (3) How have their acculturation experiences been confirmed or denied through the various stages of socialization? This study utilized a phenomenological approach to unpack the acculturation experiences of participants and discover how those experiences influenced how they lead the PE program at their school site. The goal of this study is to discover ways to support school principals in developing high-quality physical education programs. There were 113 responses to this survey. The main conclusion drawn from this study was that the acculturation experiences of respondents did have an impact on their leadership of PE programs in their school. Those with positive experiences were more likely to make their PE programs better. Those who had negative experiences but experienced exposure to a quality PE program through training or working with a competent teacher were more likely to make their PE programs better. This research occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore those who chose to participate in this study amid the uncertainty of education may have a more positive orientation towards PE. Future research under more normal educational circumstances would extend this study and make it more generalizable.
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Details
- Title
- Examining the effect of occupational socialization on principals' leadership of physical education programs
- Creators
- Sarah Mae Heidel
- Contributors
- Cameron Kiosoglous (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 105 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695547504721