The ecology of physical education : an investigation into the 'life' of a physical education department and its impact upon the identities and opportunities of pupils and teachers

Abstract

Within an ethnographic, case-study framework, this research uses observations, interviews and life-history reflections to investigate aspects of the `life' of a physical education department in a secondary school. The central focus is upon the four physical education teachers, charting how they develop their personal understandings of the nature and purpose of physical education. These understandings are located in the broader context of the school and the conflicting perspectives of senior teachers, parents, governors and pupils. Analysis of the data points to the complexity of the process by which teachers develop their personal `scripts' for education and physical education. It is suggested that a principle of `sufficient respect' for individuals' scripts may be a useful starting point for teachers, theorists and researchers as they seek to influence views or implement effective change. This can be viewed as an extension of the notion of the `reflective practitioner'. At a subject specific level, the research points to the invidious position in which some physical education teachers may be placed as their philosophies on the high status of theoretical knowledge ultimately trivialise much of their day-to-day, essentially practical activity. A plea is made for further consideration of the value of practical knowledge in education and physical education. Finally, in analysing the fieldwork process, it is suggested that this form of research can be compared to the genre of the `soap opera': an attempt is made to maximise the appeal of the research, particularly for teachers, by presenting interesting and accessible accounts of the key characters from Citylimits High School.</p