Congratulations to Christina Collins who on Monday, December 8, 2025, successfully defended her dissertation proposal.
The title of Christina’s dissertation is, "A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY."
Overview of Problem: Youth physical inactivity significantly contributes to rising childhood obesity, with research showing that children spend up to 80% of school hours sedentary. Emerging evidence indicates that even small shifts from sedentary time to light physical activity such as walking, stretching, or light play can improve children’s metabolic and psychological health. Despite these benefits, little is known about how light physical activity is understood or incorporated within elementary physical education, revealing a critical gap this study aims to address.
Research Purpose: The study will examine how light physical activity is understood by elementary PE teachers and how it is implemented in elementary PE. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to identify the best practices that can foster a generation of children who are not only physically active but also enjoy and value movement as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Research Design: This study uses a qualitative design to explore how elementary physical education teachers make sense of their experiences and practices within their natural school settings. Using purposive sampling, certified K–5 PE teachers will participate in in-person, semi-structured interviews focused on how they define and incorporate light physical activity.
Sample: This study will use purposive sampling to recruit certified, tenured K–5 physical education teachers.
Data Collection: Participation will be voluntary and participants recruited through the researcher’s professional network. In-person semi-structured interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and supported by field notes, memos, and member checks to ensure accuracy and depth.
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Dr. Martin Fitzgerald
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Dr. Kristie Lynch
Dr. Brandon Beck
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