A Qualitative Evaluation of a Mentoring Program for Health and Physical Education Teachers

Peter R Whipp,Richard Pengelley

doi:10.4236/ape.2016.62012

Peter R Whipp, Richard Pengelley

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2016.62012

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Abstract

This study examined the impact of a mentoring relationship on Quality of Work Life (QWL) and teaching self-efficacy for early career and experienced Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers, and the application of mentoring skills by experienced teachers. Experienced mentor teachers (n = 22) were paired with early career mentee teachers (n = 22) at the beginning of a year-long intervention. Semi-structured interviews provided unanimous support for the utility of the Physical Educators Mentoring Active Teachers through Experience and Support (PE M.A.T.E.S) program and the overall impact of mentoring on professional skills, teaching self-efficacy and outcomes. Quantitative journal entries reinforced enhanced applications of mentoring skills for mentors.

Highlights

Research into the teaching profession in Australia reveals a significant challenge in retaining quality teachers (Mäkelä & Whipp, 2015; Macdonald, Hutchins, & Madden, 1994; Martinez, 2004)
For the majority (91%) of mentors, Physical Education (PE) M.A.T.E.S made a positive difference to their role as an Health and Physical Education (HPE) professional with 55% adding that it had impacted positively on both student outcomes and personal career planning
All of those interviewed reported that the mentor training that was created and delivered in PE M.A.T.E.S was relevant, professional and facilitated them to be highly competent mentors

Summary

Introduction

Research into the teaching profession in Australia reveals a significant challenge in retaining quality teachers (Mäkelä & Whipp, 2015; Macdonald, Hutchins, & Madden, 1994; Martinez, 2004). Studies of Quality of Work Life (QWL) (Billingsley, 2004; Manuel, 2003; Merrow, 1999) have shown that teachers identify lack of opportunities to participate in educational decision making in a context of limited professional respect as significant in their decision to leave the profession (Mäkelä & Whipp, 2015; Whipp, Tan, & Yeo, 2007). A Qualitative Evaluation of a Mentoring Program for Health and Physical Education Teachers. HPE professional skills and capabilities circumplex identified by mentors as the model being applied to PE M.A.T.E.S; HPE skills and knowledge, interpersonal skills, career management, school and community, leadership

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