Mark Byra, Ph.D.

Director, Professor 
Physical Education Teacher Education

BACKGROUND

Mark is currently the Director of the Division of Kinesiology and Health, and has been since 2000.  Although the majority of Mark's time is allocated to administration, he also is a professor for one or two courses each semester and conducts research specific to the Spectrum of Teaching Styles. Mark has been employed at the University of Wyoming since completing his Ph.D. in 1989.  Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Wyoming, he taught physical education and French to junior high school students (grades 8, 9, and 10) in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada (1979-1986).  As a teacher he coached volleyball and track and field at the junior and high school levels.  He also coached regional and provincial volleyball teams in British Columbia and Nova Scotia.  While completing his M.S. degree in Halifax, Mark was an assistant coach for the Dalhousie University men's volleyball team. 

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Physical Education Teacher Education, University of Pittsburgh (1989)

M.S. Motor Learning/Skill Acquisition, Dalhousie University (1983)

B.Ed. Physical Education, University of Victoria (1979)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Mark's primary line of research focuses on the examination of learner behavior as impacted by different styles/models of teaching in the physical education setting. Mosston and Ashworth's (2002) Spectrum of Teaching Styles serves as the framework for investigating learner behavior as it relates to motor, cognitive, and social/affective development.

TEACHING

• KIN 2001, Movement Core II: Net and Target Games
• KIN 4080, Assessment in Physical Education
• KIN 4090, Foundations of Coaching
• KIN 5013, Models of Teaching

PUBLICATIONS

Goldberger, M., Ashworth, S., & Byra, M. (in press). Spectrum of teaching styles retrospective 2012. Quest.

Iserbyt, P., & Byra, M. (in press). Task cards – Design and use in the reciprocal style of teaching. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Sanchez, E., Byra, M., & Wallhead, T.L. (2012). Students’ perceptions of the command, practice, and inclusion styles of teaching. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 17(3), 317-330.

Hennings, J., Wallhead, T.L., & Byra, M. (2010). A didactic analysis of student content learning during the reciprocal style of teaching. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 29, 227-244.

Byra, M. (2009). Tracking R-PETE from 1980 to 2000: Research on programmatic change, participants’ perspectives, and control of PETE programs. In L. Housner, M. Metzler, P. Schempp, & T. Templin (Eds.), Historic traditions and future directions in research on teaching and teacher education in physical education (pp. 315-323). West Virginia University, School of Physical Education’s International Center for Performance Excellence. 

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Sanchez, E., Byra, M., & Wallhead, T. (2011, June). Student and teacher behaviors in the command, practice, and inclusion styles of teaching. Oral paper presented at the AIESEP International Congress - Moving People, Moving Forward: Goals & Roles of Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Activity, Limerick, Ireland.

Sanchez, E., Byra, M., & Wallhead, T. (2011, June). Students' perceptions of the command, practice, and inclusion styles of teaching. Oral paper presented at the AIESEP International Congress - Moving People, Moving Forward: Goals & Roles of Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Activity, Limerick, Ireland.

Wallhead, T., Hennings, J., & Byra, M. (2009, May). A Didactic Analysis of Content Development during the Reciprocal Style of Teaching. Oral paper presented at the AIESEP International Seminar for Specialists, Besancon, France.

Byra, M. (2007, October). Tracking R-PETE from 1980 to 2000: Research on Programmatic Change, Participants’ Perspectives, and Control of PETE Programs. Presented at the Historic Traditions & Future Directions in Research on Teaching and Teacher Education in Physical Education Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Byra, M. (2007, September). Spectrum Research – Old, New, Where to Now? Presented at the 1st International Forum on Spectrum Teaching Styles: A Reunion and A Review. Halkidiki, Greece.