The Inclusion of Health Education Curriculum in Initial Teacher Education: Exploring the Possibilities

Abstract

Teacher education is critical to the successful implementation of health education in schools. This paper reports on the implementation of a pilot module in health education with initial teacher education students, which was offered on an optional basis to Physical Education graduate diploma students, in the University of Limerick, Ireland. Nine students decided to participate. The module was experiential and innovative in design. Pre and post tests were administered to students via questionnaire examining attitude, knowledge and experiences of Social Personal and Health Education. In addition a focus group was held with participants on completion of the module to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives and experiences. The results indicate that as a result of exposure to health education, students reported increased confidence and interest in teaching SPHE in schools. Therefore, exposure to health education during initial teacher education has great potential as it can promote a positive disposition towards the subject. This paper challenges current provision of Health Education in initial teacher education and calls for a paradigm shift in policy, in this regard.