Rate My Professor Craig Tacla

Craig Tacla, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor in the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Sacramento, within the College of Health and Human Services. Having joined the institution in 2005 as an Assistant Professor, he has advanced to his current role, focusing on physical education and pedagogy. His academic credentials include a B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Chico, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg.

Tacla's scholarly work emphasizes enhancing teaching practices in physical education through innovative methods. His 2004 doctoral dissertation, 'Insights Into the Process of Guiding Student Teachers Reflection Using Audio Computer Conferences During an Eight-Week Student Teaching Experience,' investigated how audio computer conferencing could guide reflection in student teachers. The study involved two student teachers conferencing with their supervisor after lessons, with data analyzed via the Reflective Framework for Teaching in Physical Education (Tsangaridou & O'Sullivan, 1994) and inductive thematic analysis of interviews, revealing the potential of this technology for professional development.

In 2005, Tacla co-authored 'The PE Central Challenge: A Program to Encourage Voluntary Physical Activity' with George Graham and others. This publication outlines a web-based program launched in 1999 to engage 4th and 5th graders in six motor skill challenges—Balance Shuffle, Hula Hooping, Jump that Rope, Volley Up, Partner Throw and Catch, and Paddle Strike—outside PE classes. By 2004, it had reached over 400,000 children in thousands of schools, fostering motor competence, self-efficacy, and lifelong physical activity habits in line with NASPE standards. At Sacramento State, Tacla advises in the Physical Education Teacher Education program, teaches courses like Sport Pedagogy, and mentors students, contributing to the preparation of effective K-12 physical educators.