The opinion of class teachers on the most appropriate methods of assessing physical education

Abstract

Assessment is vital in education, allowing teachers to evaluate students' achievements and promote their development. In physical education (PE), assessment measures motor skills and emphasizes physical activity's importance for health and well-being. In Slovenia, PE has traditionally been an assessed subject, with this study focusing on classroom teachers' opinions about the most suitable assessment methods in elementary schools.

Data were collected from 68 classroom teachers via an online survey between November 2021 and January 2022. Teachers shared their preferences for PE assessment methods using a five-point Likert scale. The majority (61.8%) preferred verbal grading (e.g., "very successful"), 20.6% preferred descriptive grading, and 17.6% chose numerical grading (1–5).

Compared to past studies, preferences for descriptive assessment have declined, while verbal assessment has gained popularity. Numerical grading remains less favored. Interestingly, verbal grading, preferred by most teachers, is not currently used in Slovenia due to the nine-year elementary school system. This reveals a significant gap between teachers’ preferences and legally mandated assessment methods.

The study highlights a concerning lack of understanding among teachers about the characteristics and purposes of different assessment methods, as well as insufficient familiarity with the Rules for the assessment and grading of knowledge and the progression of pupils in elementary school. It emphasizes the need for additional support and training for teachers in assessing PE.

While classroom teachers possess the skills to manage all subjects, this does not ensure their confidence or competence in delivering high-quality lessons in specialized areas like physical education.