Preservice Physical Education Teachers’ Experience of Fitness Testing in Educational Settings

This presentation explores how preservice physical education teachers (PPETs) are prepared to implement health-related fitness testing (HRFT) in K-12 settings. While HRFT is widely used to monitor and promote physical activity, the effectiveness of its administration depends heavily on PE teachers’ skills, understanding, and approach. Drawing on the dilemma theory, this qualitative study examined three PPETs’ perceptions, content knowledge, and readiness through interviews, field observations, and online discussions. Findings revealed that while participants valued HRFT based on positive personal experiences and demonstrated strong content knowledge from their teacher education program, they lacked deep understanding of HRFT’s purposes, strategies for accommodating diverse learners, and real-world observation opportunities during field placements. These gaps suggest that, despite academic preparation, PPETs may not yet be fully equipped to implement HRFT effectively. The session will discuss these findings, implications for teacher education programs, and strategies to better prepare future PE teachers for HRFT administration.