Applying structural equation modeling to examine the role of teacher beliefs and practices in differentiated instruction in physical education: Multiple mediation analyses

• Published in: Psychology in the schools Vol. 61; no. 7; pp. 3045 - 3062
• Main Authors: Wen, Qingyun, Cai, Juan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Academic Accommodations (Disabilities); Beliefs; Curricula; differentiated instruction; Differentiation; Educational Development; flexible grouping; growth mindset; Inclusive education; Individualized Instruction; Physical education; Preservice training; Structural equation modeling; Structural Equation Models; Teacher Educators; Teachers
• ISSN: 0033-3085; 1520-6807
• DOI: 10.1002/pits.23206

Differentiated instruction remains one of the most important frameworks for the global education community to achieve sustainable educational development goals and inclusive education. It is also one of the most critical challenges for teachers in different subjects. This study used structural equation modeling to examine the role of teachers' practices and beliefs in implementing differentiated instruction in physical education. Using a sample of 527 preservice teachers, we found that a growth mindset was the strongest predictor of differentiated instruction, followed by flexible grouping and differentiating the curriculum. In addition, multiple mediation analyses revealed that differentiating the curriculum and flexible grouping mediated the relationship between a growth mindset and differentiated instruction. We also guide teacher educators to develop teachers' growth mindsets and help teachers better understand differentiated instruction in physical education. Practitioner Points Growth mindset is crucial for differentiated instruction in physical education. Flexible grouping mediates the impact of growth mindset on differentiated instruction. Differentiation of the curriculum is a mediator in the relationship between growth mindset and differentiated instruction.