Critical Inquiry and Problem Solving in Physical Education: Working with Students in Schools

Critical inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving are key concepts in contemporary physical education. But how do physical educators actually do critical inquiry and critical thinking?

Critical Inquiry and Problem-Solving in Physical Education explains the principles and assumptions underpinning these concepts and provides detailed examples of how they can be used in the teaching of physical education for different age groups and in a range of different contexts.

Topics covered include:

• sport education and critical thinking
• dance as critical inquiry
• media analysis
• understanding cultural perspectives
• student-led research and curriculum
• reflective coaching practice.

The authors are teachers, teacher educators, policymakers and academics. Each shares a commitment to the notion that school students can do more than learn to move in physical education classes.

Jan Wright is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Reserach at the University of Wollongong, Australia.  She has taught in the area of physical education for over 20 years and has been actively involved in recent syllabus developments in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education undertaken by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training. 

Doune Macdonald is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Pedagogy in the School of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland, Australia.  Since 1980 she has taught health and physical education in schools and universities in Australia and the UK and been heavily involved in curriculum development at the state and national levels. 

Lisette Burrows is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Education Pedagogy at the School of Physical Education, the University of Otago, New Zealand.  Since 1989 she has taught health and physical education and been actively involved in national curriculum review and moderation at primary and secondary levels.