PhD Student

Course Start: October 2018

Supervisor: Dr Joanne Hill
Second Supervisor: Dr Saul Keyworth
Third Supervisor: Dr Angel Chater

Working thesis title

How are teachers teaching about competition in Physical Education, and is it being done in a socially just way?

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a scholarly debate surrounding competition and its implementation and inclusion within Physical Education (The Association for Physical Education, 2013). When scouring through literature surrounding competition, the debate offers several different channels of exploration, including its implementation and teaching strategies. With previous literature concerning competitive activity as articulated by Green and Hardman, (2005), has cited the lack of tailoring to individual’s psycho-emotional needs, effectively forcing all students into a mould shaped by curricular Physical Education. This research study will investigate teachers understanding and use of competition in Physical Education, their understanding of social justice, and whether their teaching for competition is socially just or equitable for all students. It will explore where teachers understandings of competition arose in their socialisation process; and will also listen to student voice about competition in PE. The planned outcome of this project is to expand knowledge on teachers and social justice in PE and to contribute to future PE teacher education and professional development concerning planning and practice for social justice, competition and participation in PE.

Research Questions

• Do Physical Educators understand what social justice is, and how to implement it within their teaching?
• What are teachers’ perceptions of competition, and have their previous experiences of Physical Education affected their outlook of how competition should be implemented within Physical Education lessons?
• How do Physical Educators implement what competitive scenarios and activities within their teaching and is this done with social justice is mind?
• What are the participant perceptions of what competition is, and does the method of teaching implemented aid in their enjoyment of Physical Education lessons? Or do competitive episodes within teaching exclude them from the subject?

About Me

After completing my BA in Sport and Physical Education at the University of Bedfordshire in July 2017, I started a taught master’s in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy at Bedfordshire in October 2018. With a research topic focusing upon how teachers deal with the positive and negative aspects of competition within Physical Education, and the impact this imposes on meeting classroom learning objectives. This study, and the units undertook within this master’s programmes broadened my horizon to the notion of occupational socialisation, and the phases of moulding an Physical Educator. I believe, that offering children opportunities to participate within competitive activities is a crucial element of there development not only within the subject of Physical Education but also their professional development outside of the subject.

Contact Information

E: hope.grant@study.beds.ac.uk
LinkedIn: Hope Emily Grant
Twitter: @HopeEmilyMA