Effects of PACER on physical education for middle grade pupils in elementary school:

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the learning outcomes of P.E. classes with Performer and Coach Earn Rewards(PACER), which is one of the cooperative learning models. To verify the effects of the PACER unit, a comparison was made by conducting a non-intervention unit at a different elementary school from the PACER unit. The mat exercise units were conducted during nine lessons.Thirty-one fourth grade students in the PACER unit, and 30 in the general units participated in the study．Students' formative evaluation in every lesson and social skills questionnaires in the before and after units were collected. The movement skills for the backward roll and cartwheel in the before and after units and observation of students' human relationships were video recorded and analyzed according to the criteria for observational evaluation and category.The main results are as follows:(1) The results of the students' formative evaluation showed high scores for both the PACER and general units. In the PACER unit, the average scores for the "Achievement" and "Cooperation" dimensions were high throughout the unit. This means that the PACER unit was a unit in which the students could experience achievement and they cooperated with their peers.(2) The total score of the students' social skills in the PACER unit were improved.These skills, "consideration toward others" and "assertiveness" significantly improved. The results of observing the students' human relationships supported these findings, as many positive relational behaviors were observed.(3) The general impression of the backward roll was declined and cartwheel was improved in the general unit．However, both the backward roll and cartwheel were improved in the PACER unit.These results suggest that PACER could be effective in improving social skills and movement quality as part of the mat exercise unit in which the backward roll and cartwheel are taught.