Value Orientations of Elementary and Secondary Physical Education Teachers in Flanders

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine and compare physical educators' value profiles. The Value Orientation Inventory was used to collect data from 528 elementary and 637 secondary physical education teachers in Flanders. Teacher characteristics, including gender and years of teaching experience revealed only minor differences in value orientations. Significant differences in teachers' value orientations were observed between teachers in elementary and secondary schools. The different value profiles of these two teacher groups are discussed in the perspective of the recently introduced conceptual innovations in physical education mandated by the Flemish government. The teachers at the elementary level placed a high priority on the disciplinary mastery and the self-actualization orientations; those at the secondary level scored high on the social responsibility and disciplinary mastery orientations. The findings from this study suggest that teaching level influences teachers' value orientation. Teachers appeared to adjust their curricular priorities to meet the demands and needs of students in elementary versus secondary schools.