| Top 10 read posts in 2023 | Top 10 read posts written in 2023 |
|---|---|
| What is a ‘constraints led approach’? (2016) A constraints led approach is a relatively new approach to skill acquisition. By manipulating constraints in highly specific and systematic way we can educate a performers attention to perceptual information or encourage them to come up with a different movement solution. | Meaningful PE – just good teaching? When explaining MPE to others a typical response is that it’s just good teaching of PE. There is an element of truth in that, but MPE is more than just a set of good teaching behaviours. It is a framework for pedagogical decision making. |
| 4 domains of learning in Physical Education – Refined (2016) This post explores how I tried to develop a coherent and clear language around four learning domains within Physical Education so that both teachers and pupils could understand. This is an ongoing process in developing a holistic curriculum within PE. | Some thoughts on the power of PE… PE can be a powerful subject, but only if the foundation is built on its unique and inherent value. To do that well, dominant narratives about the power of PE need to be questioned and challenged. |
| 4 domains of learning in Physical Education (2015) Physical Education is a contested subject and will always remain to be so. Should we PE Teachers focus on the physical, or should we focus on the education? A Twitter survey of PE Teachers on what makes a good student of PE suggests that the education is held in higher regard than the physical. | 4Ms of transformative PE curricula Catherine Ennis challenges the PE profession to go beyond effective PE to also be engaging. For her engaging needs children to be supported to have “thoughtful judgements and purposeful decisions” within their lessons. |
| A Models Based Approach to PE: Cooperative Learning (2016) An overview of how I have tried to move away from a traditional DEP (demonstrate, explain and practice) style of teaching athletics to one that was underpinned by the benchmarks of cooperative learning. | The impact of feedback on performance and learning within PE Feedback is considered to be one of the most powerful teacher behaviours for pupil learning. This is an attempt to review the academic literature about what impact different types of feedback when applied to a PE context. |
| Meaningful Experiences in PE: Guiding Principles (2018) I’m increasingly convinced that for children to become physical educated they need to find meaning in forms of movement. These are my guiding principles to attend to the creation of meaningful experiences within physical education. | How can we attempt to create a greater sense of coherence within PE? Creating a curriculum that is make sense to the children it is meant to be serving requires a focus on relevance. That at anytime a learning objective in a lesson can be simultaneously linked to clear curriculum purpose and to what children do beyond school. |
| Meaningful PE – just good teaching? (2023) When explaining MPE to others a typical response is that it’s just good teaching of PE. There is an element of truth in that, but MPE is more than just a set of good teaching behaviours. It is a framework for pedagogical decision making. | Traditions, not Traditional I have been increasingly aware of using the term “traditional” as a catch-all phrase for PE practices which I believe are poor and harmful. This is an attempt to explain why this is not effective and the need to be more explicit about the purpose of different approaches & traditions in PE. |
| Some thoughts on the power of PE… (2023) PE can be a powerful subject, but only if the foundation is built on its unique and inherent value. To do that well, dominant narratives about the power of PE need to be questioned and challenged. | More of the same? PE, due to social, cultural, historical and physical constraints is resistant to change. But this does not mean we should not be critical of change, especially if the change is superficial & swaps sports techniques for life skills. |
| 4Ms of transformative PE curricula (2023) Catherine Ennis challenges the PE profession to go beyond effective PE to also be engaging. For her engaging needs children to be supported to have “thoughtful judgements and purposeful decisions” within their lessons. | Do no harm mindsets Due to many people’s overwhelming belief in PE being a positive force in a child’s life, we can often overlook the harm it can do. Perhaps children would be better served by a PE profession who approaches the subject with more criticality and the priority to not do them any harm? |
| 20 mistakes I’ve made in my 20 years of teaching PE (2022) This was a reflection back on my career in PE teaching and teacher education to date and what mistakes I have made and to ensure that I don’t make similar ones in the next 20 years. | Language matters The language used in PE is influential as it shapes purpose, understanding, learning and experience. It’s important to teach technical vocabulary in PE, but PE is also a subjective subject and a greater place for language which allows children to explore and articulate the experience of movement as well. |
| The impact of feedback on performance and learning within PE (2023) Feedback is considered to be one of the most powerful teacher behaviours for pupil learning. This is an attempt to review the academic literature about what impact different types of feedback when applied to a PE context. | The Gap There is a gap between the realities of the PE classroom and PE academia. The longer I spend out of the classroom the more I recognise that my thinking is not rooted in those realities and this is a reminder to keep that close to mind when working within the profession. |
As always, thank you to those who have read, commented, challenged and critique.
The investment of your time into my understanding and development is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2024.
drowningintheshallow 
Thank you for all your posts in 2023. All the posts I have read have been helpful and thought provoking. Happy new year!
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