University students’ conceptions of an excellent physical education teacher in China

This study investigated how university students perceive an excellent physical education (PE) teacher at the university level. A sample of 2000 university students at four universities in China responded to a 53-item questionnaire. A 6-factor, 28-item model of an excellent teacher in PE was subsequently generated with a statistical good fit, using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The model included two traditional Chinese concepts, best defined as ‘Caring For Students’ and ‘Being Responsible.’ The other four concepts were: ‘Being A Subject Expert, Being Student-Focused, Prompting Students’ All-Around Growth’ and ‘Being A Lifelong Learner.’ Multivariate analysis of variance showed that students’ grade level and major contributed to statistically-significant differences in their conceptualisation of excellent PE teaching. Study findings were compared with those in other relevant literature. Copyright © 2012 The Author(s).