Enacting Fitness Education by involving students in Assessment for Learning and Technology use

Abstract

Physical Education aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to choose a physically active lifestyle, thereby enhancing their overall health. This thesis documents and examines the development and impact of a year-long health-related intervention in high school (10th to 12th grades) Physical Education, using Assessment for Learning and technology to empower students. Participants included three preservice teachers and their assigned classes (n=61), supervised by a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. The students were engaged in the fitness education model from McConnell (2010), which rearranged from six arising steps (1) do activity; 2) start getting fit; 3) begin self-assessing; 4) initiate self-planning; 5) introduce lifetime activity, and 6) transfer for life) to four distinct cycles: 1) improve PF and work on becoming fit; 2) self and peer assessment; 3) self and group planning; and 4) introduce fitness for life. Data was collected through participant observation, log diaries, interviews, fitness tests and artifacts, and analysed mainly using thematic analysis and data triangulation. The research was structured into five interconnected papers: one integrative review, three empirical studies, and one pedagogical article. Findings highlight that fitness education should move beyond traditional, prescriptive models, and focus on developing students' capacity to understand, plan and maintain their physical activity throughout life. Transforming fitness teaching requires preparing future Physical Education teachers with knowledge and pedagogical strategies during school placement. Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential. Entangling technology can support students' cognitive engagement and autonomy. By bridging curriculum, pedagogy and assessment through a health-oriented lens, this thesis contributes to both academic knowledge and practical innovations in Physical Education and teacher education.