Effects of a cooperative learning based intervention on the physical self-concept of pre-service Physical Education teachers

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to analyse the effects of a cooperative learning based intervention on the physical self-concept of pre-service Physical Education teachers. 53 third year-students (average age 20.9) minoring in Physical Education (Primary Education Degree) volunteered to participate in this study. The intervention was carried out over four months (46 1.5 h-long sessions). In order to assess the physical self-concept of the participants Physical Self-concept Questionnaire (CAF) was administered before and after the intervention. Data analysis showed that the intervention improved all measured physical self-concept scales. Moreover, there were gender related differences for physical self-concept, with females scoring lower in both pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. These results suggest that active learning methodologies such as cooperative learning could have a positive impact on physical self-concept of pre-service Physical Education teachers.