A monthly article club creating intrigue, developing interest and growing intelligence

Navigating the nuances of professional and postgraduate studies can be challenging for both staff and students, especially in a PGCE program. As a course leader for secondary physical education, I have faced the challenge of balancing professional requirements with academic excellence in postgraduate study. Moreover, the complexity of a nine-month course with a significant portion of time off-campus and on placement can present challenges to supporting students academically and maintaining regular communication.
To overcome these challenges, I decided to implement a monthly article club. The club aimed to be intriguing and intellectually stimulating, offering students an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking content and deepen their understanding of concepts and ideas. This intellectual challenge is a critical part of the academic journey.
The club's premise was simple: I selected additional and challenging papers in Physical Education to be sent monthly. During that month, students were encouraged to read and reflect upon what spoke to them and link the paper to their practice. The initiative has grown each year, and I am continuously learning with the different cohorts that come through. In this presentation, I aim to explain my rationale, share its impact on the students, and develop the next steps for future learning.