Pedagogy, Sport and Health: A Collaborative Action Research

Author(s):

Gareth Wiltshire(presenting / submitting)Jessica Lee

Conference:

ECER 2012

Network:

18. Research in Sports Pedagogy

Format:

Paper

Session Information

18 SES 10, Parallel Paper Session

Parallel Paper Session

Time:

2012-09-20

15:30-17:00

Room:

FFL - Salón de Grados

Chair:

Kyriaki Makopoulou

Contribution

Recent epidemiological concerns in Europe and beyond have fuelled the educational imperative for health and physical activity in schools. As a result, young people are exposed to a number of interacting discourses about food choice, weight management, active lifestyle, disease and risk. Following some critical concerns raised about the dangers of a pedagogy based on control, body (dis)satisfaction and self regulation, this study aims to understand the interpreted impact of these messages on physical activity participation. By better understanding the subjective experiences of pupils, this research aims to help inform physical activity promotion on both personal and political levels.
While this study offers a post-structural analysis of the self, and indeed the often conflicting discourses through which the self is conceived, we also draw on psychological theory to guide our conclusions concerning motivations and intentions to exercise.
Specific research questions include; (a) how do health discourses in school impact on individuals’ choice to be physically active? (b) how do current messages about health and physical activity impact on physical self perception? (c) can critical awareness and politicisation be an effective intervention for physical activity promotion for young people?

Method

In this study, a diverse group of 13-14 year olds (N=28) took part in a two-stage phenomenological data collection. A mixed method ethnographic approach was designed to illuminate participants’ stories by revealing which components of knowledge, discourse and perceived reality were experienced as constraining or enabling for physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Over 4 months, data was gathered with lesson observations, focus group interviews, visual storytelling, netnography and questionnaire responses. Additionally, pupils were given the opportunity to reflect on their own and each others physical activity choices through a collaborative action research project consisting of a 3 month, participant led, documentary production.

Expected Outcomes

Results will not only help us understand the constraints that young people experience during physical activity choice but also help physical activity promoters understand if critical pedagogy and shared narratives are worthy of further research for intervention.

References

Evans, J., Davies, B., and Wright, J. (2004) Body Knowledge and Control. Studies in the Sociology of Physical Education and Health, London:Routledge. Rich, E., Evans, J. and De-Pian, L., 2010. Childrens’ bodies, surveillance and the obesity crisis. In: Rich, E., Monaghan, L. F. and Aphramor, L., eds. Debating Obesity: Critical Perspectives. New York: Palgrave Macmillan Lee, J. and Macdonald, D., (2009) Rural young people and physical activity: understanding participation through social theory, Sociology of Health & Illness, 31 (3), pp. 360-374

Author Information

Gareth Wiltshire (presenting / submitting)

Loughborough University

School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences

LOUGHBOROUGH

Jessica Lee

Griffith University, Queensland, Australia

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