Journal Article

Student Experiences Regarding Physical Activity Among Children With Visual Impairments

Columna, Luis, Norris, Michael L

2016

Overview

Undergraduate kinesiology students (physical education and exercise science majors) participated in a physical activity program for children with visual impairments during the course of 4 semesters. This physical activity program maximized recreational and sport opportunities for children with visual impairments and their families. In its 1st year, the program consisted of 4 1-day workshops covering the topics of: (a) orientation and mobility, (b) motor development and physical activity, (c3) aquatic opportunities, and (d) team sports (e.g., goalball, beep-baseball). During the 2nd year, these programs were expanded to more complex skills related to the previous 4 workshops. Undergraduate students facilitated instruction of all activities in the program with the children with visual impairments and their parents. Because of the student interactions in the program, the researchers sought to explore the students' experiences/perceptions toward teaching physical education and physical activity to children with visual impairments and their families. Data were collected via semistructured interviews with the goal of exploring their experiences/ perceptions regarding the physical activity program and activities with the children. Each interview lasted 60 to 90 minutes. The primary focus was to determine what students learned and the impact of the program on the students' perceived competency in working with the children with visual impairments and their families. Using constant comparative analysis, data were analyzed with the results indicating that students initially were intimidated with the notion of working with children with visual impairments. However, the students expressed a desire to work with children with visual impairments in the physical activity program when provided with training, support, and guided instruction. Additionally, as students developed comfort working with children with visual impairments in the program, they shared confidence in working with children with other disabilities as well. Participants voiced a need for authentic teaching experiences as well as the infusion of disability concepts across the curriculum in physical education and exercise science. Based on their participation, many shared a desire to align their professional goals toward working in the adapted physical activity field or entering the health professions with an emphasis on working with children with disabilities.

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subject: Exercise / Families & family life / Physical Education / Physical fitness / Student Experience / Teaching / Undergraduate Students