2019 Volume 17 Pages 178-185
Common content knowledge (CCK) includes the knowledge of (a) rules, safety, and etiquette, (b) techniques, and (c) tactics of movement forms (e.g., sports, dance and yoga; Ward, 2009) and has been established as critical knowledge for teachers to provide quality instruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a volleyball CCK test of preservice teachers in Japan. The test was developed using three steps: (a) content experts developed the questions, (b) ten experienced secondary school physical education teachers established face and content validity, and (c) the test was pilot tested with eight preservice teachers to secure concurrent validity. Following this, the test was given to 126 physical education preservice teachers. Data were analyzed using Rasch modeling (Rasch, 1980). The data fit the model for 29 of 30 questions. The analysis provides evidence to support the validity and reliability of the volleyball CCK test for Japanese physical education preservice teachers. The test can be confidently used to assess the knowledge of preservice teachers and the effectiveness of teacher education programs.