The purpose of this study was to empirically examine how secondary school physical education (PE) teachers perceive Metzler’s instructional models for physical education, how they apply these models in school settings, and what constraints they expe...
The purpose of this study was to empirically examine how secondary school physical education (PE) teachers perceive Metzler’s instructional models for physical education, how they apply these models in school settings, and what constraints they experience during the implementation process. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative research approach integrating Spradley’s (1980) inductive category analysis and Strauss and Corbin’s (2001) grounded theory methodology was employed.
The participants consisted of 150 secondary school PE teachers nationwide for the inductive category analysis and five secondary school PE teachers for in-depth interviews in the grounded theory analysis. Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interviews and analyzed using Spradley’s (1980) domain and taxonomic analyses. In addition, grounded theory procedures—open, axial, and selective coding—were applied to derive a paradigm model and a situational model. Data verification and triangulation were conducted to ensure credibility and ethical integrity. The results are as follows.
First, 92.0% of the participants reported experience applying Metzler’s instructional models in PE classes; however, most implementation occurred in partial or eclectic forms rather than complete forms, reflecting instructional conditions and student characteristics. Frequency analysis showed that the Direct Instruction Model was used most frequently (32.3%), followed by the Cooperative Learning Model (22.6%) and the Sport Education Model (16.5%), whereas the Peer Teaching Model, Individualized Instruction Model, Tactical Games Model, and Inquiry-Based Learning Model showed relatively low usage. In addition, 90.0% of teachers perceived Metzler’s instructional models as necessary, citing instructional structure and systematic organization, learning effectiveness and student participation, teacher professionalism, student-centered instruction, and curriculum linkage. Major constraints included physical limitations of the educational environment (39.3%), instructional time and institutional limitations (26.7%), lack of teachers’ professional expertise and commitment (15.3%), student-related factors (10.0%), limitations of instructional content and assessment systems (6.0%), and socio-cultural and institutional conditions (2.7%). Corresponding improvement strategies included facility and environmental improvement (42.0%), strengthening teacher professionalism and professional development (20.7%), improving instructional structures and institutional conditions (18.0%), improving perceptions, strengthening teachers’ rights and motivation, and diversifying instruction with practical support. Second, qualitative analysis identified 63 concepts, which were re-categorized into 21 subcategories and seven higher-order categories. Third, paradigm model analysis identified the core phenomenon as “the eclectic application and partial practice of Metzler’s instructional models,” with institutional and time-related constraints as causal conditions; student-related and school environmental factors as contextual conditions; directions for improvement and practice as intervening conditions; teachers’ perceptions and practical attitudes as action–interaction strategies; and holistic understanding and growth through physical activity as the outcome. Fourth, process analysis indicated that application of Metzler’s instructional models progressed through three stages: operational fixation and intensified eclecticism; teachers’ perceptual transformation and instructional improvement practices; and instructional stabilization and diffusion accompanied by holistic growth and reinforcement of lifelong physical education foundations. Fifth, selective coding yielded the core category of “a process in which Metzler’s instructional models transition from formal application to partial stabilization amid the gap between school-level constraints and PE teachers’ perceptions,” highlighting the need for structural redesign. Sixth, a storyline technique integrated teachers’ experiences over time. Seventh, situational model analysis showed that influencing factors emerged at the levels of the individual, students and classes, schools and local education authorities, and the national and societal context. Eighth, the findings indicate that expansion of model-based instruction requires practice-oriented professional development centered on teacher expertise, school-level physical and administrative support systems, simplification of assessment procedures and district-level budgetary support, and student-centered instructional design integrating multiple instructional models.