Using Collaborative self-study to support professional learning in initial teacher education: developing pedagogy through Meaningful Physical Education

ABSTRACT

Collaborative self-study provides teacher educators with opportunities to enhance professional learning. This paper explores how three teacher educators used this approach to support their learning while introducing the pedagogy of Meaningful Physical Education (MPE) to pre-service teachers (PSTs). Thematic analysis of reflections, critical friend feedback and online conversations were used to generate three themes: Collaborative Self-study helped us to learn about our practice; learn how to support student learning; and learn how to introduce pedagogical innovation. Collaboration reinforced resolve and sustained change through sharing experiences, content, resources, and outcomes. While the context for this study was PE, we believe the findings are relevant for all initial teacher educators seeking to develop their practice. Further research into collaborative self-study practice of pedagogical innovation across varied curricular areas could enhance teacher and student learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Meaningful physical education
• collaborative self-study
• pedagogical principles
• professional learning
• collaboration

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard Bowles

Richard Bowles is a lecturer in the Department of Arts Education & Physical Education within the Faculty of Education at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate physical education modules that are part of pre-service primary teacher education programmes. His current research interests include the facilitation of meaningful experiences in physical education and youth sport, and the use of self-study methodologies to enhance practice in teaching and coaching contexts.

Tony Sweeney

Tony Sweeney is a lecturer and Bachelor of Education Programme Leader in the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University. His current research interests are focussed on pedagogies in Initial Teacher Education including approaches to Meaningful Physical Education, promoting the Voice of the Child in Primary Physical Education and exploring Social Justice in Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility in Physical Education.

Maura Coulter

Maura Coulter holds the position of Associate Professor in the field of primary physical education. She is the Associate Dean for Research at the Institute of Education at DCU. Her current research interests include pedagogical approaches to Meaningful Physical Education and Social Justice – Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (SJ-TPSR) in Physical Education, and she also researches in the area of leadership and professional identity.