Movement subject knowledge in physical education teacher education

Movement and development of overall movement capacity - or movement knowledge - are key aspects of school physical education (PE) and thus also of physical education teacher education (PETE).

The purpose of the project is to explore movement knowledge in PETE with the aim of providing means to (re)conceptualise movement subject knowledge in PETE and by extension also PE.

This purpose is justified by the fact that current conceptualisations of ‘knowledge’ in both PETE and PE are restricted more or less to movement techniques, often expressed as skill in isolated and decontextualized movement activities, which occur parallel with, yet isolated from, health information.

The project will involve four pedagogical sequences where movement content is planned, taught and explored in collaboration between researchers, PETE educators and students.

The pedagogical sequences will be documented through video filming of pedagogical practice, interviews with PETE educators and students, and logbooks written by students.

The project will contribute to conceptualise movement knowledge beyond movement techniques and health information to what in curriculum research is termed powerful knowledge and powerful knowings; knowledge that can help students understand and explain movement practices and engender capacity to act in such practices.