The Effects of Training on Preservice Teachers using Computerized Systematic Observation

Abstract

Although systematic observation software systems are being used in teacher preparation programs, research investigating the type and amount of training pre-service educators need to use this software to code teaching behaviors is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in three training protocols for pre-service physical educators using the Behavioral Evaluation Strategies and Taxonomy software system for the first time. Participants were 31 pre-service physical education teacher education students enrolled in a methods of elementary physical education instruction course at a midsized college located in western New York State. Data were collected using a function from the BEST software system that automatically charted frequencies of each behavior recorded by the user. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 17.0). Descriptive statistics were obtained and an ANOV A was used to determine whether there were differences (and level or significance) between four different training group means. Each experimental group was compared to the control group using Dunnett post-hoc tests. An unpaired t-test (two-tailed) was used to determine whether there were differences (and level of significance) between the participants who received a training video and the participants who did not. Results of ANOVA determined differences to be significant at p=0.060 between the four groups. Dunnett post-hoc tests determined significance levels for the following comparisons between the Control Group (CG) and Training Protocol 1 (p =0.284), CG and Training Protocol 2 (p =0.041), and CG and Training Protocol 3 (p = 0.075). Results of the unpaired t-test (two-tailed) indicated participants viewing the training video increased their ability to identify a greater amount of feedback at p = 0.025. The results of this study suggest using video training techniques to train pre-service physical education teachers to use systematic observation software.