Physical Education and Sports Coaching Science Students’ Application of Research Informed Practice

The recent introduction of two new modules in the PE and coaching courses have provided the opportunity to embed the application of research-informed practice through scientific principles in physical education and sport. SPRT1041 Scientific Principles in Teaching and Coaching and SPRT2063 Advanced Scientific Principles in Teaching and Coaching are designed to prepare future sports educators with the scientific knowledge that underpins the delivery of their practice. Students are required to consider areas of their practice that are underpinned or can be enhanced by scientific principles. Throughout this academic year students have worked in a blended manner using a wide range of learning environments to develop this underpinning knowledge. When face to face delivery has been possible, as well as small and large classroom-based activities, students have used astro-turf and grass pitches, the sports-hall, the gym and the physiology and biomechanics laboratories. When only online learning was possible students continued to be provided with blended theory and practical learning opportunities. Exercise and fitness testing at home provided opportunities to discover accessible training and testing methods. Furthermore, mobile apps such as Strava and mapmyfitness were used to provide live data that gave students the opportunity to discover activity and nutritional monitoring data. Students also produced videos of their own delivery and performances so that they were able to use performance analysis software. Through the use of a well-structured reading list, supported by a weekly journal club, students have reflected on their own practice and developed an understanding of what it means to be a research-informed practitioner to enhance their own delivery.