Research foci
The effort is characterized by a strong focus on designing physical education teacher education (PETE) to be tightly aligned with the practice of teaching. Our focus is on teacher education classes that inform practice and emphasize the ability of the teacher to adapt pedagogy, content and curriculum to the needs of their students.Practice-based teacher education is grounded in a belief that teaching is not easy. That teaching has a professional knowledge base and a set of professional skills that must be adapted to different settings according to the needs of students (McDonald et al., 2013).
Research Summary
First, we examined and sought expert advice validate a set of initial core practices for PETE. The use of core practices enables preservice teachers to learn from and about teaching, leading them to teach with more confidence because they have had more practice in analysis and decision-making during lessons. Next, we have and continue to examine our use of the pedagogies of practice-based teacher education such as rehearsal and repeated practice. Currently, we are exploring how to improve preservice teachers’ reflective skills and adaptive competence in planning and in lessons.
Studies
Ward, P., Ayvazo, S., Dervent, F., Iserbyt, P., & Kim, I. (2020). Instructional progression and the role of working models in physical education, Quest,
Xie, X., Ward, P. Atkinson, O., Cho, K., Kim, M. Li, Y., & Oh. D. (in press). Preservice Physical Education Teacher’s Development of Adaptive Competence. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education
Ward, P., Ayvazo, S., Dervent, F., Iserbyt, P., Kim, I., & Li, W. (in press). Skill analysis for teachers: considerations for physical education teacher education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Ward, P., & Cho, K. (in press). Five Trends in physical education teacher education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Ward, P. (2020). Core practices for teaching physical education: Recommendations for teacher education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2019-0114
Ward, P., Higginson, K., & Cho, K. (2020). Core practices for preservice teachers in physical education teacher education. Journal of Physical Education,
Ward, P. & van der Mars, H. (2020). Confronting the challenge of continuous professional development for physical education teacher educators. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 91(1), 7-13.