Research findings in education can provide invaluable insight into how teaching practice can be improved, but research papers are often inaccessible and hard to digest. This innovative new text is designed to assist physical education students, pre-service teachers, practising teachers and teacher educators to learn how to read research and to apply it to practice in primary and secondary physical education. The text also provides insights and implications for those working with young people in physical activity and sport settings. The book presents a clear, step-by-step guide to how to read and interpret research, followed by a series of short and engaging introductions to contemporary research studies on key topics in physical education, from classroom management and programme design to assessment and social issues. Each study is discussed from the point of view of researcher, teacher educator and primary and post primary teacher, providing the reader with invaluable insight into how to use research to generate new ideas and improve their teaching practice. Research and Practice in Physical Education is the perfect companion to any course in research methods, current issues, learning and teaching, or pedagogy and curriculum in physical education.

Research findings in education can provide invaluable insight into how teaching practice can be improved, but research papers are often inaccessible and hard to digest. This innovative new text is designed to assist physical education students, pre-service teachers, practising teachers and teacher educators to learn how to read research and to apply it to practice in primary and secondary physical education. The text also provides insights and implications for those working with young people in physical activity and sport settings. The book presents a clear, step-by-step guide to how to read and interpret research, followed by a series of short and engaging introductions to contemporary research studies on key topics in physical education, from classroom management and programme design to assessment and social issues. Each study is discussed from the point of view of researcher, teacher educator and primary and post primary teacher, providing the reader with invaluable insight into how to use research to generate new ideas and improve their teaching practice. Research and Practice in Physical Education is the perfect companion to any course in research methods, current issues, learning and teaching, or pedagogy and curriculum in physical education.

To maximize learning opportunities in physical education, a range of conditions need to be met. One of the most crucial conditions is qualified physical education teachers. This prompts us to suggest that it is crucial that physical education teacher candidates engage in meaningful, relevant, and worthwhile educational experiences and upskilling opportunities on entering the teacher education program, on graduation, and on starting their careers. For this reason, there is a need to examine physical education teacher education in European countries and effective physical education teacher education practices being employed across European countries. This book directly addresses both issues. The shared template in each chapter allows the reader to identify a specific aspect of physical education teacher education they may be interested in and map this across the European countries. With a specific focus on physical education teacher education, the book explores the main areas of initial teacher education, induction, and professional development of each country.