Health and Physical Education Teachers vital role in skin cancer prevention: The need for global reform in preservice teacher programs

Joseph Scott; Robyn S  Johnston; Sally Blane; Mark Strickland; Jill Darby; Bronwyn McNoe

Conference presentation

Health and Physical Education Teachers vital role in skin cancer prevention: The need for global reform in preservice teacher programs

Joseph Scott, Robyn S Johnston, Sally Blane, Mark Strickland, Jill Darby and Bronwyn McNoe

International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP) World Congress, 60th (Gold Coast, Australia, 15-Jun-2022–18-Jun-2022)

2022

Appears in Cancer Research Cluster Research Collection

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Abstract

Teacher and instructor development

Pedagogy

Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified

Health

Physical Education

Sun Safety

Skin Cancer Prevention

Physical activity

Teacher education

Health & Physical Education

Background: School-based physical activity is a global priority. However, HPE lessons, breaks, sporting and other physical activities often correspond with peak ultraviolet (UV) times, leaving youth particularly susceptible to harmful UV overexposure. Purpose: To investigate pre-service teacher UV awareness and perceived knowledge, skills and confidence to teach sun safety. Method: Preservice teachers (n=275) from an Australian University completed a baseline survey investigating UV awareness and perceived knowledge, skills and confidence to teach sun safety. Participants also attended a brief university-based intervention and completed a post-test survey (n = 161) with a random sample invited to attend one-on-one interviews and focus groups. Social Cognitive Theory and the Social Ecological Model informed the intervention with triangulation mixed-methods design used to guide data analysis Findings: Post intervention, 93.3% reported they felt more informed about the dangers of UV and skin cancer risks, with most feeling more confident (92%), knowledgeable (92.1%) and skilled (87.4%) to teach sun safety. Conclusions: Teachers are highly influential role models in developing young peoples sun safe routines and practices. Supplementing existing teacher education programs to upskill preservice teachers before they enter schools may provide a sustainable strategy to improve sun safe HPE pedagogies and school sun protection routines.</p>

Details

Title: Health and Physical Education Teachers vital role in skin cancer prevention: The need for global reform in preservice teacher programs
Authors: Joseph Scott (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
Robyn S Johnston (Author) - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Sally Blane (Author) - Cancer Council Western Australia
Mark Strickland (Author) - Cancer Council Western Australia
Jill Darby (Author) - Edith Cowan University
Bronwyn McNoe (Author) - University of Otago
Conference details: International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP) World Congress, 60th (Gold Coast, Australia, 15-Jun-2022–18-Jun-2022)
Date published: 2022
Grants: Edith Cowan University ECR Grant, G1004374, Edith Cowan University (Australia, Perth) - ECU
Organisation Unit: School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Cancer Research Cluster; STEM in Education Research Theme
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99649079202621
Output Type: Conference presentation

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