Improving Learning in Physical Education: A Practice to Theory Approach

Maximising Learning in Physical Education identifies some key challenges in physical education that impact pupils’ learning, looking at how they manifest over time and suggesting possible ways teachers can address them.

Each chapter features a real-life case study or a scenario to illustrate a specific challenge and identify some possible causes. It then draws on theory, research and evidence that might explain what is happening. The book highlights how teachers use theory and research evidence to help address the challenges and maximise pupil learning. The challenges include:

• reflection/reflective practice
• the process of learning
• progression and continuity in the curriculum
• assessment
• use of feedback
• motivation
• behaviour for learning
• learning in the physical, cognitive and affective domains
• inclusion, special education needs and disabilities
• trauma-informed pupils
• participation in physical activity outside lessons.

Many chapters are co-written by practising teachers and teacher educators and all include key takeaways and reflections, making this essential reading for all secondary physical education teachers.

Susan Capel is a Professor Emerita at Brunel University, London, where she was the Head of the School of Sport and Education.

Joanne Cliffe is a freelance researcher. Her background is in teaching secondary physical education and then higher education as an Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham.

Julia Lawrence is an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, Secondary Lead Mentor for Scarborough Teaching Alliance and Subject Lead for Physical Education with Exchange Teacher Training.