European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 18, 21 (2025) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2025.015

The impact of a semester-long practicum on Physical Education preservice teachers' self-efficacy of teaching children with autism

Mary L. Henninger1, Emily M. Jones1*, Andrea Taliaferro2, Oscar Nunez Enriquez1
1 Illinois State University
2 University of South Carolina

As the number of students with disabilities grows in general physical education, it is imperative that preservice physical education teacher candidates are adequately prepared to meet the increasingly diverse needs of all students. This study aimed to examine the effects of pre-practicum experience delivering physical education (PE) content to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on PE teacher candidates’ self-efficacy toward working with children with disabilities. Participants were general PE teacher education candidates enrolled in a required adapted PE course (n = 16). Data were collected using the Pre-Physical Educators' Self-Efficacy Toward Including Students with Disabilities-Autism (PPESEISD-A), artifact collection, and focus group interviews. Analysis of PPESEISD-A responses examined the degree and direction of change in participants’ self-efficacy. Focus group data were analyzed using open coding and constant comparison to identify themes across participants. Findings suggest positive changes to teacher candidates’ self-efficacy in planning and delivery of instruction to learners with ASD. Qualitative data highlight key elements of the practicum that facilitated change. Findings from this study have implications for how PETE programs prepare general physical educators to work with students with autism.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Teacher Education; Students with Disabilities; Clinical Experience

Received: December 13, 2024; Revised: May 28, 2025; Accepted: August 20, 2025; Prepublished online: August 3, 2026; Published online: September 6, 2025  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Henninger, M.L., Jones, E.M., Taliaferro, A., & Nunez Enriquez, O. (2025). The impact of a semester-long practicum on Physical Education preservice teachers' self-efficacy of teaching children with autism. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 18, Article 21. https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2025.015
Share...
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Ammah, J., & Hodge, S. (2005). Secondary physical education teachers' beliefs and practices in teaching students with severe disabilities: A descriptive analysis. The High School Journal, 89(2), 40-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124510371038 Go to original source...
    2. An, J. (2021). Learning to teach students with disabilities through community service-learning: physical education preservice teachers' experiences. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 68(3), 442-455. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2019.1693034 Go to original source...
    3. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191-215. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    4. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York.
    5. Beamer, J., & Yun, J. (2014). Physical educators' beliefs and self-reported behaviors toward including students with autism spectrum disorders. Adapted Physical Education Quarterly, 31(4), 362-376. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2014-0134 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    6. Blagrave, J. (2017). Experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders in adapted physical education. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 10(1), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2017.003 Go to original source...
    7. Blanco Ornelas, L. H., Díaz-Leal, A. C., Ornelas Contreras, M., Mondaca Fernández, F., & Solano Pinto, N. (2019). La Autoeficacia en el Cuidado de la Salud en la Predicción de la Satisfacción con la Vida [Self-efficacy in health care in prediction of life satisfaction]. Revista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico y Evaluación-e Avaliação Psicológica, 3(52), 53-65. https://www.redalyc.org/jatsRepo/4596/459661296006 Go to original source...
    8. Block, M., Haegele, J., Kelly, L., & Obrusnikova, I. (2020). Exploring future research in adapted physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 92(3), 429-442. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2020.1741500 Go to original source...
    9. Block, M., Taliaferro, A., Harris, N., & Krause, J. (2010). Using self-efficacy theory to facilitate inclusion in general physical education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 81(3), 43-46. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2010.10598448 Go to original source...
    10. Block, M. (2007). A Teacher's Guide to Including Students with Disabilities in General Physical Education. Brookes Publishing Company. Go to original source...
    11. Case, L., Schram, B., Jung, J., Leung, W., & Yun, J. (2020). A meta-analysis of the effect of adapted physical activity service-learning programs on college student attitudes toward people with disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 43(21), 2990-3002. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2020.1727575 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC). (2020, November). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
    13. Civitillo, S., Shachner, M., Juang, L., van de Vijer, F. J. R., Handrick, A., & Noack, P. (2017). Towards a better understanding of cultural diversity at school: a multi-informant and mixed-methods study. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 12, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2016.09.002 Go to original source...
    14. Columna, L., Haegele, J. A., Barry, A., & Prieto, L. (2024). "I Can Do It": Perceived Competence of Parents of Autistic Children After Participating in a Physical Activity Intervention. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 21(3), 275-282. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2023-0669 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    15. Chiarotti, F., & Venerosi, A. (2020). Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A review of worldwide prevalence estimates since 2014. Brain Sciences, 10(5), 274-291. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10050274 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    16. Creswell, J. W., Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA.
    17. Dellinger, A. M., Bobbet, J. J., Olivier, D. F., & Ellet, C. D. (2008). Measuring teachers‟ self- efficacy beliefs: Development and use of the TEBS-Self. Teaching and Teacher Education, 24, 751-766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2007.02.010 Go to original source...
    18. Dillon. S., Corcoran, N., Bailey, J. Davis, T., & Columna, L. (2020). Occupational socialization of physical education teacher candidates teaching students with disabilities. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 68(5), 643-661. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2020.1716959 Go to original source...
    19. Elo, S. & Kyngas, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107-115. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x Go to original source...
    20. Hauck, J., & Felzer-Kim, I. (2023). The perspectives of preservice kinesiology students concerning autism and physical activity: Differences by adapted physical activity exposure. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 20(3), 180-192. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2022-0027 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    21. Hershman, B., & Hodge, S. (2010). High school physical educators' beliefs about teaching differently abled students in urban public school districts. Education and Urban Society, 42(6), 730-757. Go to original source...
    22. Hodge, S. R., & Akuffo, P. B. (2007). Adapted physical education teachers' concerns in teaching students with disabilities in an urban public school district. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 54(4), 399-416. https://doi.org/10.1080/10349120701654571 Go to original source...
    23. Hodge, S., Ammah, J. O. A., Casebolt, K. M., LaMaster, K., Hersman, B., Samalot-Rivera, A., & Sato, T. (2009). A diversity of voices: Physical education teachers' beliefs about inclusion and teaching students with disabilities. International Journal of Disability Development and Education, 56(4), 401-419. https://doi.org/doi:10.1080/10349120903306756 Go to original source...
    24. Hodge, S. R., Davis, R., Woodard, R., & Sherrill, C. (2002). Comparison of practicum types in changing preservice teachers' attitudes and perceived competence. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 19(2), 155-171. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.19.2.155 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    25. Hodge, S. R., Tannehill, D., & Kluge, M. (2003). Exploring the meaning of practicum experiences for PETE students. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 20(4), 381-399. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.20.4.381 Go to original source...
    26. Hutzler, Y., Meier, S., Reuker, S., & Zitomer, M. (2019). Attitudes and self-efficacy of physical education teachers toward inclusion of children with disabilities: A narrative review of international literature. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 24(3), 249-266. http://doi:10.1080/17408989.2019.1571183 Go to original source...
    27. Hutzler, Y., Zach, S., & Gafni, O. (2005). Physical education students' attitudes and self-efficacy towards the participation of children with special needs in regular classes. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 20(3), 309-327. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856250500156038 Go to original source...
    28. Klin, A., Micheletti, M., Klaiman, C., Shultz, S., Constantino, J.N., & Jones, W. (2020). Affording autism an early brain development re-definition. Development and Psychopathology, 32, 1175-1189. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579420000802 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    29. Lavay, B., Henderson, H., French, R., & Guthrie, S. (2011). Behavior management instructional practices and content of college/university physical education teacher education (PETE) programs. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 17(2), 195-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2010.548063 Go to original source...
    30. Lieberman, L. J., Arndt, K., & Daggett, S. (2007). Promoting leadership in physical education and recreation. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78(3), 46-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2007.10597989 Go to original source...
    31. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications. Go to original source...
    32. Lirgg, C. D., Gorman, D. R., Merrie, M. D., & Shewmake, C. (2017). Exploring challenges in teaching physical education to students with disabilities. Palaestra, 31(2), 13-18. Go to original source...
    33. Lytle, R., Lavay, B., Robinson, N., & Huettig, C. (2003). Teaching collaboration and consultation skills to preservice adapted physical education teachers. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 74(5), 49-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2003.10608486 Go to original source...
    34. Maenner, M. J., Warren, Z., Williams, A. R., Amoakohene, E., Bakian, A. V., Bilder, D. A. Durkin, M. S., Fitzgerald, R. T., Furnier, S. M., Hughes, M. M., Ladd-Acosta, C. M., McArthur, D., Pas, E. T., Salinas, A., Vehorn, A., Williams, S., Esler, A., Grzybowski, A., Hall-Lande, J., Nguyen, R. H. N., Pierce, K., Zahorodny, W., Hudson, A., Hallas, L., Mancilla, K.C., Patrick, M., Shenouda, J., Sidwell, K., DiRienzo, M., Gutierrez, J., Spivey, M.H., Lopez, M., Pettygrove, S., Schwenk, Y.D., Washington, A., & Shaw, K.A.. (2023). Prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 Years - Autism and Developmental Disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(SS-2), 1-14. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7202a1 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    35. McGrath, O., Crawford, S., & O'Sullivan, D. (2019). 'It's a challenge': Post primary physical education teachers' experiences of and perspectives on inclusive practice with students with disabilities. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2018.011 Go to original source...
    36. McNamara, S. W. T, Lieberman, L., Wilson, K., & Colombo-Dougovito, A. (2021). 'I mean I hate to say it's sink or swim, but…: college course instructors' perceptions of the adapted physical education content that they prioritize and teach. Sport, Education and Society, 27(5), 543-558. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13573322.2021.1882978 Go to original source...
    37. Mizunoya, S., Mitra, S., & Yamasaki, I. (2018). Disability and school attendance in 15 low and middle-income countries. World Development, 104, 388-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.12.001 Go to original source...
    38. Morley, D., Bailey, R., Tan, J. E. C., & Cooke, B. (2005). Inclusive physical education: Teachers' views of including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities in physical education. European Physical Education Review, 11(1), 84-107 https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X05049826 Go to original source...
    39. National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). Students with Disabilities. Condition of Education. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg.
    40. National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). (2020, November 20). Inclusive Physical Education and Physical Activity: Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities. Survey Report. https://www.nchpad.org
    41. Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1609406917733847. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847 Go to original source...
    42. Obrusnikova, I., & Dillon, S. (2011). Challenging situations when teaching children with autism spectrum disorders in general physical education. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 28, 113-131. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.28.2.113 Go to original source...
    43. Oh, J., & Graber, K. C. (2017). National curriculum for physical education in the United States. Quest, 69(2), 220-235. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2016.1218776 Go to original source...
    44. Ornelas Contreras, M., Blanco Vega, H., Aguirre Chávez, J. F., & Guedea Delgado, J. C. (2012). Observed self-efficacy in health care behaviors in first year university students: A study about Physical Education students. Perfiles Educativos, 34(138), 62-74. https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?pid=S0185-26982012000400005
    45. Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdon, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K.
    46. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42, 533-544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    47. Pajares, F. (2002). Gender and perceived self-efficacy in self-regulated learning. Theory Into Practice, 41(2), 116-125. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4102_8 Go to original source...
    48. Phelps, A., Mason, A. J., & Lucero, A. (2024). Credit hour analysis of adapted physical education courses in higher education. The Physical Educator, 81(1), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2024-V81-I1-11349 Go to original source...
    49. Piletic, C. & Davis, R. (2010). A profile of the introduction to adapted physical education course within undergraduate physical education teacher education programs. ICHPER-SD Journal of Research, 5(2), 26-32.
    50. Premack, D. (1959). Toward empirical behavior laws: I. Positive reinforcement. Psychological Review, 66(4), 219-233. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040891 Go to original source...
    51. Román-Oyola, R., Figueroa-Feliciano, V., Torres-Martínez, Y., Torres-Vélez, J., Encarnación-Pizarro, K., Fragoso-Pagán, S., & Torres-Colón, L. (2018). Play, playfulness, and self-efficacy: Parental experiences with children on the autism spectrum. Occupational Therapy International, 2018(1), 4636780. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4636780 Go to original source...
    52. Rivera-Pérez, S., León-del-Barco, B., Fernandez-Rio, J., González-Bernal, J. J., & Iglesias Gallego, D. (2020). Linking cooperative learning and emotional intelligence in physical education: Transition across school stages. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 5090. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145090 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    53. Taliaferro, A. (2010). Validation of an instrument to explore physical educators' beliefs toward inclusion: Application of self-efficacy theory [doctoral dissertation]. University of Virginia, Charlottesville. https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1971430859842646328
    54. Taliaferro, A. R., & Bulger, S. M. (2020). A Delphi Study of Effective Adapted Physical Education Practicum Experiences. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 37(1), 20-40. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2018-0199 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    55. Taliaferro, A., Block, M., Harris, N., & Krause, J. (2011). Physical educators' self-efficacy toward including students with disabilities- Autism version 8.2 [unpublished survey instrument].
    56. Taliaferro, A. R., Hammond, L., & Wyant, K. (2015). Preservice physical educators' self-efficacy beliefs towards inclusion: The impact of coursework and practicum. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 32, 49-67. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2013-0112 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    57. Thrasher, J. F., Swayampakala, K., Borland, R., Nagelhout, G, Young, H., Hammond, D., Bansal-Travers, M., Thompson, M., & Hardin, J. (2016). Influence of self- efficacy, and reactance on responses to cigarette health warnings: a longitudinal study of adult smokers in Australia and Canada. Health Communication, 31(12), 1517-1526. https://doi.org/10.1018/10410236.2015.1089456 Go to original source...
    58. Tripp, A., Rizzo, T. L., & Webbert, L. (2007). Inclusion in physical education: Changing the culture. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78(2), 32-48. Go to original source...
    59. Wilson, K., McNamara, S. W., & Lieberman, L. J. (2022). A descriptive probe into current introduction to adapted physical education courses in the United States of America. The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.58729/2167-3454.1148. Go to original source...

    This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.


    Return to the content