Children's experiences of pedagogies that prioritise meaningfulness in primary physical education in Ireland. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ní Chróinín, Déirdre; Fletcher, Tim; Beni, Stephanie; Griffin, Ciara; Coulter, Maura
• Is Part Of: Education 3-13. Volume 51:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Meaning -- quality -- primary school -- democratic -- reflection -- collaboration; Education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Education, Primary -- Periodicals; Education, Elementary -- Periodicals; 372.942
• DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2021.1948584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-4279

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This research explored the experiences of children (age 9–10) when five Irish generalist primary teachers positioned meaningfulness as the priority filter for their pedagogical decision-making in physical education ( n = 37). Pedagogies that support meaningfulness include those that are democratic and reflective, and give attention to individual experiences. Data sources included non-participant observations ( n = 10), pupil diary ( n = 101) and focus groups ( n = 21 in five focus groups). Children's experiences were enhanced by shared ownership of the learning focus, collaboration on learning activities and teacher's attention to individual experiences. Results provide direction on a coherent approach to prioritising meaningfulness in primary physical education.