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Laura Jones Petranek, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Associate Department Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Kinesiology

Portrait of Dr. Laura J. Petranek

Laura J. Petranek earned her Ph.D. in Physical Education with a cognate in Developmental Foundations and an emphasis in Motor Learning from the University of South Carolina. She earned her M.A. in Physical Education from California State University, Chico. She came to Boise State University in 2005.

Her areas of interest revolve around the broader field of motor behavior and is committed to areas of research that encourage lifelong learners of motor skills through the promotion of developmentally appropriate movement programs. Specifically, within motor learning and development, Dr. Petranek has explored the following areas: attentional focused instruction & feedback among young learners in physical educational settings, youth sport specialization, and contextual interference. More recent research interests relate to coaching education, specifically concussion education and awareness among youth sport coaches. She has also explored areas of student perceptions of engagement and learning using mobile technology in the classroom. Dr. Petranek is also an affiliated scholar with the Center for Physical Activity and Sport (CPAS).

Contact Information:

Phone: (208) 426-4366
Email: laurajonespetranek@boisestate.edu
Curriculum Vitae upon request
ScholarWorks Page

Research Interests:

  • Attentional focused instruction and feedback among young learners
  • Coaching education, specifically concussion awareness in youth sports
  • Student perceptions of engagement and learning with mobile technology

Recent Publications:

Lucas, S. M., Bolter, N. D., Petranek, L. J., Nilsson, K., Pardue, K., & Flint, H. (2023). Parents’/Guardians’ experiences with their adolescents’ prolonged recovery from a sport-related concussion. Journal of Concussion, 7. DOI:10.1177/20597002231160946

Petranek, L. J. & Gallegos, G. (2023). Perceptions of learning and engagement with mobile technology in a university setting. College Teaching. DOI: 10.1080/87567555.2023.2183377

Petranek, L. J., Bolter, N. D., & Bell, K. (2019). Attentional focus and feedback frequency among first graders in physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 38(3), 199-206. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0080

Bolter, N. D., Petranek, L. J., & Dorsch, T. E. (2018). Coach, parent, and administrator perspectives on required coaching education in organized youth sport. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(3), 362-372. DOI: 10.1177/1747954117735718

Courses:

  • KINES 105 Instructional Yoga and Pilates
  • KINES 362 Coaching Methods and Administration
  • KINES 375/376 Motor Learning & Human Performance/Lab
  • KINES 378/379 Motor Development and human Behavior/Lab
  • KINES 438 Qualitative Human Movement Analysis
  • KINES 560 Motor Learning
  • KINES 598 Graduate Seminar