Two Background Narratives for Systems Thinking and PE

This research explores a 'border crossing' exercise intent on seeking a convergence (where possible) between two similar frameworks (complexity theory and social ecology) for understanding and progressing physical education using holistic and systems-based concepts. Researcher narratives are presented here as part of that research. These serve to position the two protagonists backgrounds and histories as part of a border crossing exercise. Narratives serve to give context to theoretical concepts and support a process of connecting research.<div><br></div><div><br></div

The purpose of primary physical education: The views of teacher educators

This paper reports on the first phase of a longitudinal project investigating the perceived purposes that different stakeholders have for primary physical education (PE). In the study, the views of 19 teacher educators from seven countries across Europe were sought. While teacher educators may have some influence across the layers of an education system, little is known about this stakeholder group and their views about primary PE. Analysis of focus group conversations depicts that, while the teacher educators come from a wide range of contexts, their views on the purposes of primary PE were more similar than different. With primary PE in danger of disconnecting into different schools of thought, this finding is important because it suggests that more coherent and connected approaches have the potential to be developed. In line with most government policies from the seven countries, similarities focused on both an educational and outward-looking view of primary PE. Significantly, while the teacher educators recognised the key role of physical learning in primary PE, they also highlighted how children’s social, emotional, and cognitive learning form part of an integrated view of primary PE. Teacher educators recognised the importance of primary PE expanding beyond the hall/gymnasium and into classroom, school, and community settings. However, some concerns were voiced about the influence of outsourcing and sport agendas that currently dominate. The views of these teacher educators offer a useful starting point for further investigation, particularly as they present the purposes of primary PE from both an integrated and educational perspective.</p