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Key research themes
1. How can shifting stakeholder perspectives improve the quality and focus of primary physical education teaching?
This research area investigates the complexities arising from diverse stakeholder interests in primary physical education (PE), and how reconceptualizing these perspectives towards a shared educational vision can enhance teaching quality and promote lifelong physical activity engagement. It acknowledges the challenges caused by conflicting agendas from political, health, commercial, and sporting sectors and emphasizes the necessity of collaborative frameworks rooted in complexity thinking to better align pedagogy, curriculum, and teacher professional learning.
Key finding: This work provides an academically rigorous contextualization of primary PE by exploring its historical, social, and policy landscapes, thereby equipping educators with a critical understanding that moves beyond operational... Read more
Key finding: Through qualitative interviews, this study identifies how classroom teachers' beliefs about PE, often shaped by inadequate training and contextual constraints, lead to conflicting and sometimes contradictory instructional... Read more
2. What teaching skills and competencies are essential for effective physical education teacher training, and how are they developed and assessed?
This theme explores the critical teaching skills required for physical education (PE) teachers, how initial teacher training programs develop these competencies, and the psychometric evaluation of relevant assessment tools. It focuses on integrating cognitive, interpersonal, and systemic skills, addressing inclusion, and applying both theoretical models and practical frameworks to evaluate skill acquisition and professional readiness.
Key finding: This study statistically compares two PE teacher training degrees, revealing significant differences in the impact on skills related to physical and motor development basics, learning content, and health promotion, with... Read more
Key finding: The research validates a three-correlated model measuring instrumental, interpersonal, and systemic teaching skills in PE teacher training, revealing discrepancies between theoretical expectations and actual skill... Read more
Key finding: By applying the TPACK framework, this study identifies the influence of educational attainment and teaching experience on PE teachers’ technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge integration in private junior high... Read more
3. How do innovative and student-centered teaching methods influence motivation and learning outcomes in physical education?
This theme investigates the efficacy and acceptance of contemporary, interactive, and student-centered instructional methods—such as problem-solving, game- and competition-based learning, simulation, cooperative learning, and physical literacy-enriched pedagogy—in physical education. It assesses impacts on student motivation, engagement, cognitive and motor skill acquisition, and overall academic performance.
Key finding: The study demonstrates that the problem-solving teaching method significantly enhances students' intrinsic motivation and identified regulation compared to traditional, teacher-centered approaches. It also shows increased... Read more
Key finding: Findings reveal that simulation, peer teaching, cooperative learning, and problem-solving approaches in college PE classes are well received by students, who report enhanced understanding, motivation, confidence, and social... Read more
Key finding: This qualitative study finds that physical literacy enriched pedagogy, emphasizing holistic development including competence, confidence, and motivation, fosters inclusivity and long-term engagement. The research highlights... Read more
Key finding: The research shows that integrating game and competition methods in PE lessons for adolescents sustains interest and promotes self-development, resulting in enhanced motor skills and psychological benefits including... Read more