A Qualitative Inquiry of a Three-Month Virtual Practicum Program on Youth with Visual Impairments and Their Coaches

Lauren J. Lieberman, Lindsay Ball, Pamela Beach and Melanie Perreault
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Lauren J. Lieberman: Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, State University of New York (SUNY), Brockport, NY 14420, USA
Lindsay Ball: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
Pamela Beach: Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, State University of New York (SUNY), Brockport, NY 14420, USA
Melanie Perreault: Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, State University of New York (SUNY), Brockport, NY 14420, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Research has shown that the practicum experience for professional preparation students in physical education teacher education programs related to teaching youth with disabilities can improve self-efficacy. It is not currently known if a virtual program can be effective for the professional preparation students or the participants. The objective of this study was to determine the experiences of the participants of a three-month virtual practicum program. In this phenomenological study, thirty youth with visual impairments and 1:1 professional preparation students (coaches) took part in a three-month virtual physical activity program. A total of 11 coaches took part in 2 focus groups, and 10 of the participants were interviewed about their experiences in this unique practicum. Findings in this three-month program revealed four themes: (1) friendship, (2) self-determination, (3) goal setting, and (4) barriers. The results of the qualitative inquiry indicate that a virtual practicum program can have a positive effect on both the participants and the professional preparation students. Virtual programs should also be aware of barriers to implementing an effective program to benefit all parties.

Keywords: physical activity; pedagogy; blind; phenomenology; professional preparation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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