Short description:

Anthony Laker leads an outstanding international team of educational theorists in critically examining the theoretical underpinnings of physical education, and in challenging the rhetoric, the practices and the pedagogies that prevail in our schools.

Long description:

Anthony Laker leads an outstanding international team of educational theorists in critically examining the theoretical underpinnings of physical education, and in challenging the rhetoric, the practices and the pedagogies that prevail in our schools. There has been a great deal of discussion surrounding the value of this subject in schools, particularly around the form that physical education should take. The domination of physical education teaching by the scientific / technical discourses is problemized and it is suggested that this domination limits the potential of the subject to be culturally and contextually relevant to students in schools. This edited collection aims to extend the worldwide academic debate of the future of physical education in schools by challenging the prevailing 'authorised curricula'.

Each contributor address a key contemporary issue in physical education bringing different perspectives as they relate to the evolving issues of the subject. They ask important questions about where we intend to take the knowledge we have gained from a legacy of positive research. These chapters tackle critical issues in modernist physical education and suggest how a re-evaluation could contribute to the continuing advancement of the subject for more diverse educational benefits. Laker draws this body of work together in a conclusion that describes a theoretically and pedagogically innovative physical education curriculum for the 21st century.

This book is a summary of the current state of research in physical education. It invites debate and discussions in the field and re-conceptualises physical education theory into inclusive practices located in the postmodern school world.

'Overall the book provides a wealth of information and current thinking about pedagogical practices in PE. It would be worthwhile reading for all associated with the profession, teacher, teacher educators and students alike.' - Jackie Moses, Leeds Metropolitan University (escalate website)

'This book is an important ingredient in the next wave of critical debate around pedagogy in PE that desperately needs to happen and which it was intended to foster.' - Michael Waring, European Physical Education Review

Table of Contents:

1. Physical Education and Educational Sport: A Philosophical Justification Steven Estes 2. Sport in Culture Anthony Laker 3. Citizenship, Sport and Physical Education Anthony Laker 4. Social Responsibility Through Physical Activity G. S. Don Morris 5. Reflective Practice Goes Public: Reflection, Governmentality and Postmodernity Do 6. The Pedagogy of Motor Skill Learning: Teachers and Students Stephen Silverman 7. Sport Education Peter Hastie 8. Physical Education in the Digital (Postmodern) Era Juan-Miguel Fernandez-Balboa 9. The Future of Physical Education: Is This the 'New Pedagogy'? Anthony Laker