- Title
- Misconceptions in the knowledge of vocational fitness students and graduates
- Creator
- Jolley, Daniel; Davis, Melissa; Lavender, Andrew
- Date
- 2020
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/173336
- Identifier
- vital:14656
- Identifier
- ISBN:1443-1394 (ISSN)
- Abstract
- The use of non-academic sources of health information is popular among both the public and exercise professionals. However, the quality of this information varies and without the application of critical thinking skills, may lead to misconceptions forming. This research aimed to compare the knowledge, presence of misconceptions, and critical thinking ability of vocational education and training (VET) fitness students at the beginning and end of their training, and qualified personal trainers (PTs). It also examines differences in the sources of information used by students and professionals. An Exercise Science Knowledge Survey was developed to assess knowledge and misconceptions about ten areas of exercise and nutrition. VET students were assessed at the beginning and end of a personal training qualification and PTs were surveyed once. Though VET students’ knowledge improved and misconceptions decreased from pre-to post training, PTs did not differ from post-VET students in knowledge, misconceptions, or critical thinking ability. PTs reported using more varied sources of information and were more likely to trust reliable sources. Critical thinking ability correlated with higher knowledge scores and lower misconception scores. Instruction in critical thinking should be embedded at lower levels of VET, and exercise professionals should be encouraged to undertake higher levels of study. © 2020, ADULT LEARNING AUSTRALIA INC. All rights reserved.
- Publisher
- Adult Learning Australia Inc
- Relation
- Australian Journal of Adult Learning Vol. 60, no. 1 (2020), p. 66-88
- Rights
- Copyright of Australian Journal of Adult Learning is the property of Copyright Agency Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission.
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- 1301 Education Systems; 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy; 1303 Specialist Studies in Education; Critical thinking; Personal trainers; Professional development; Sources
- Reviewed
- Hits: 1113
- Visitors: 1068
- Downloads: 0