Table 4 Results showing common themes that came up during three semi-structured interviews where benefits, facilitators and barriers of the intervention implementation were discussed
From: Assessment of a two-year school-based physical activity intervention among 7-9-year-old children
Teachers interviewed (N = 11) | Common themes | Sample quotes |
|---|---|---|
General teachers (n = 8) | Benefits of implementation • Positive attitudes towards PA • Increased PA during school hrs • Changed attitude towards PA among teachers • Calmness in class after intervention activities • Positive effect on student productivity in other subjects • More unity in class Facilitators • Satisfaction with training meetings • Satisfaction with on-site counseling • Extra PE lesson Barriers to implementation • Steep learning curve in the beginning • Competing curriculum demand and specific subject requirements • The Icelandic winter weather • Teachers must be open to changing their own habits | "I think that outdoor play is much more natural to them now than it was when we started the intervention" "The training meetings were very informative and it was also important to me to feel like I was part of a team" "The children are more willing to do work in class after we have gone outside to play, they seem to be more receptive" "As a new teacher I can say that this way of integrating PA into the daily routine at school is something I will continue doing, everyone benefits from this, the students and I alike. "In the beginning it was very difficult for me to start thinking outside the box in order to increase the amount of PA. The objectives looked almost impossible to achieve in the beginning" "Sometimes the children came to school not properly dressed. They were not ready for outdoor activities in rain or snow" |
PE teachers (n = 3) | Benefits of implementation • Readiness of all students to partake in PA • Willingness to explore new sports Facilitators • Extra PE lesson • Positive attitude of school principal • Good collaboration with participating teachers • Positive attitude of teachers Barriers to implementation • Tightly booked gymnasium facilities and quality of the school property (one intervention school only) | "There were never any problems with this class. No one forgot to bring their sports clothing, everyone was always ready to play" "The extra PE lesson during the latter year was very successful" "For me it was very enjoyable to collaborate with other teachers. I think the general teachers also enjoyed seeing their students in a different environment, such as in the gymnasium" |