![[PDF]](/pb-assets/Icons/adobe-pdf-icon-1498649896243.png){kind=icon}
Abstract
This article analyses the career-long continuing professional development (CPD) of 85 experienced physical education (PE) teachers in England. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews (20 teachers) and open-ended profile questionnaires (a further 65 teachers) to find out what forms of professional development these teachers had undertaken in their careers, what they thought of their experiences and any recommendations they would make for changes to either the nature or quality of CPD provision. The research was undertaken in a climate of growing government interest in teachers’ professional development as a means of raising educational standards, and promises of increased funding to encourage more and better CPD. However, very little is known about the nature and quality of existing CPD in PE, or about PE teachers’ views on their professional learning requirements. The findings of this study suggest that PE teachers’ CPD experiences lack coherence and relevance. It is also suggested that there may be something of a gap between teachers’ ambitious aspirations for pupils in PE and the professional development available to help them achieve those aspirations. It is argued, therefore, that professional development should be restructured and refocused to ensure that PE teachers’ career-long learning needs are met.
| Armour, K.M. (2001) ‘Connective Pedagogies: Continuing Professional Development for Physical Education Teachers’ , paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Leeds, 15–17 Sept. Google Scholar | |
| Armour, K.M. and Jones, R.L. (1998) Physical Education Teachers’ Lives and Careers. London: Falmer Press . Google Scholar | |
| Armour, K.M and Yelling, M.R. (2002) ‘ “ Talk and Chalk” or Learning from “Doing”: Continuing Professional Development for Physical Education Teachers’ , British Journal of Teaching Physical Education 33(4): 40–42 . Google Scholar | |
| Armour, K.M. and Yelling, M. (2003) ‘Physical Education Departments as Learning Organisations: The Foundations for Effective Professional Development’ , paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, 11–13 Sept. Google Scholar | |
| Armour, K.M and Yelling, M. (in press) ‘Continuing Professional Development for Physical Education Teachers: Towards Effective Provision’, Sport, Education and Society. Google Scholar | |
| Biddle, S., Cavill, N. and Sallis, J. (1998) Young People and Health-Enhancing Physical Activity: Evidence and Implications. London: Health Education Authority . Google Scholar | |
| Brandt, R. (2003) ‘Is This School a Learning Organisation? Ten Ways to Tell’ , Journal of Staff Development 24(1): 1–8 . http://www.nsdc.org/library/jsd/brandt241.html, accessed 3 April 2003. Google Scholar | |
| Cale, L., Harris, J. and Leggett, G. (2002) ‘Making a Difference? Lessons Learned from a Health-Related Exercise Resource’ , Bulletin of Physical Education 38(3): 145–161 . Google Scholar | |
| Campbell, A. (2002) ‘Research and Professional Development’ , paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Exeter University, 12–14 Sept. Google Scholar | |
| Casbon, C. (1999) ‘National Curriculum Review: Key Points in the New Order’ , British Journal of Physical Education 30(1): 4–6 . Google Scholar | |
| Corcoran, T.C. (1995) Transforming Professional Development for Teachers: A Guide of State Policymakers. Washington, DC: National Governors’ Association . Google Scholar | |
| Daley, A.J. (2002) ‘School Based Physical Activity in the United Kingdom: Can it Create Physically Active Adults?’ , Quest 54: 21–33 . Google Scholar | Crossref | ISI | |
| Darling-Hammond, L. (1998) ‘Teacher Learning that Supports Student Learning’ , Educational Leadership 55(5): 6–12 . Google Scholar | |
| Darling-Hammond, L. and McLaughlin, M.W. (1995) ‘Policies that Support Professional Development in an Era of Reform’ , Phi Delta Kappan 76(8): 597–604 . Google Scholar | ISI | |
| Department for Education and Employment (2001) Learning and Teaching: A Strategy for Professional Development. Nottingham: DfEE Publications . Google Scholar | |
| Department for Education and Employment and Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (1999) Physical Education: The National Curriculum for England, Key Stages 1–4. London: DfEE/QCA . Google Scholar | |
| Department for Education and Skills (2003) Learning through PE and Sport: A Guide to the Physical Education, School Sport and Club Links Strategy. Nottingham: DfES Publications www.dfes.gov.uk/pess Google Scholar | |
| Dowling Naess, F.J. (1996) ‘Life Events and Curriculum Change: The Life History of a Norwegian Educator’ , European Physical Education Review 2(1): 41–53 . Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
| Elmore, R. (2002) Bridging the Gap between Standards and Achievement. Washington, DC: Albert Shanker Institute . Google Scholar | |
| Evans, L. (2002) ‘What is Teacher Development?’ , Oxford Review of Education 28(1): 123–137 . Google Scholar | Crossref | ISI | |
| Falk, B. (2001) ‘Professional Learning through Assessment’, in A. Lieberman and L. Miller (eds) Teachers Caught in the Action: Professional Development that Matters, pp. 118–140. New York: Teachers College . Google Scholar | |
| Fejgin, N. and Hanegby, (1999) ‘School Based In-Service Training of PE Teachers’ , European Journal of Physical Education 4(1): 4–16 . Google Scholar | Crossref | |
| Fullan, M. (2001) The New Meaning of Educational Change, 3rd edn. New York: Teachers College Press . Google Scholar | |
| Garet, S.M., Porter, C.A., Desimone, L., Birman, B.F. and Suk Yoon, K. (2001) ‘What Makes Professional Development Effective? Results from a National Sample of Teachers’ , American Educational Research Journal 38(4): 915–945 . Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | ISI | |
| General Teaching Council for England (2000) Continuing Professional Development Advice to Government: December 2000.http://www.gtce.org.uk/gtcinfo/cpdpolicy.asp, accessed 6 June 2003. Google Scholar | |
| General Teaching Council for England (2002) Summary of the CPD Consultation Sessions from the GTC Regional Roadshows. http://www.gtce.org.uk/gtcinfo/regionalcpd.asp, accessed 6 June 2003. Google Scholar | |
| Gilham, B. (2000) Developing a Questionnaire. London: Continuum . Google Scholar | |
| Guskey, T. (2003) ‘An Analysis of Lists of the Characteristics of Effective Professional Development’ , paper presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, 21–5 April. Google Scholar | |
| Harris, J. (1997) ‘A Health Focus in Physical Education’, in L. Almond (ed.) Physical Education in Schools,2nd edn., pp. 104–121. London: Kogan Page . Google Scholar | |
| Harris, J. (2000) Health Related Exercise in the National Curriculum. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics . Google Scholar | |
| Harris, J. and Penney, D. (2000) ‘Gender Issues in Health-Related Exercise’ , European Physical Education Review 6(3): 249–270 . Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
| Hawley, W.D. and Valli, L. (2000) ‘Learner-Centered Professional Development’ , Phi Delta Kappa Center for Evaluation, Development, and Research 27(Aug.), http://www.pdkintl.org/edres/resbul27.htm, accessed 6 June 2003. Google Scholar | |
| Keating, I. (2001) ‘The Efficacy of CPD: Its Impact upon Classroom Practice’ , Professional Development Today 4(2): 73–78 . Google Scholar | |
| Lieberman, A., Wood, D., Whitford, B., Yendol-Silva, D. and Lytle, S.L. (2003) ‘Cultivating Professional Learning Communities: What Happens to Districts, Schools, Principles, Teachers and Children?’ , paper presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, 21–5 April. Google Scholar | |
| Lieberman, L. (1995) ‘Practices that Support Teacher Development’ , Phi Delta Kappan 76(8): 591–596 . Google Scholar | ISI | |
| Loucks-Horsley, S., Stiles, K. and Hewson, P. (1996) ‘Principles of Effective Professional Development for Mathematics and Science Education: A Synthesis of Standards’ , NISE Brief 1(1): 1–6 . Google Scholar | |
| Loughran, J. and Gunstone, R. (1997) ‘Professional Development in Residence: Developing Reflection on Science Teaching and Learning’ , Journal of Education for Teaching 23(2): 159–178 . Google Scholar | Crossref | |
| McRae, D., Ainsworth, G., Groves, R., Rowland, M. and Zbar, V. (2001) PD 2000 Australia: A National Mapping of School Teacher Professional Development. Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs . Google Scholar | |
| Miliband, D. (2002) ‘Teachers and Teaching: Investment and Reform’ , speech by David Miliband MP, Minister of State for School Standards at the Annual Meeting of the Teacher Training Agency, Birmingham, 18 Nov. Google Scholar | |
| National Partnership for Excellence and Accountability in Teaching (1998) ‘Improving Professional Development: Eight Research-Based Principles’, http://www.npeat.org, accessed 1 Feb. 2003. Google Scholar | |
| National Staff Development Council (2001) Standards for Staff Development. Oxford, OH: National Staff Development Council , http://www.nsdc.org/educatorindex.htm, accessed 9 Dec. 2002. Google Scholar | |
| Newmann, F.M. (1994) School-Wide Professional Community: Issues in Restructuring Schools, Issue Report, 6 (spring), pp. 1–2. Madison, WI: Center on Organization and Restructuring of Schools, Wisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison , http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/archives/completed/cors/Issues_in_Restructuring_Schools/ Google Scholar | |
| Office for Standards in Education (2002) Continuing Professional Development for Teachers in Schools. London: OFSTED Publications , Ref. HMI 410. Google Scholar | |
| Penney, D. and Evans, J. (1997) ‘Naming the Game: Discourse and Domination in Physical Education and Sport in England and Wales’ , European Physical Education Review 3(1): 21–32 . Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
| Penney, D. and Evans, J. (1999) Politics, Policy and Practice in Physical Education. London: E and FN Spon . Google Scholar | |
| Penney, D. and Yelling, M. (2001) ‘Implementing the Revised National Curriculum for Physical Education: Juggling Interests and Achieving What Outcomes?’ , Journal of Sport Pedagogy 7(2): 1–24 . Google Scholar | |
| Pritchard, R.J. and Marshall, J.C. (2002) ‘Professional Development in “Healthy” vs “Unhealthy” Districts: Top Ten Characteristics Based on Research’ , School Leadership and Management 22(2): 113–141 . Google Scholar | Crossref | |
| Schempp, P.G. (1993) ‘Constructing Professional Knowledge: A Case Study of an Experienced High School Teacher’ , Journal of Teaching in Physical Education 13: 2–23 . Google Scholar | ISI | |
| Sparks, D. (2002) Designing Powerful Professional Development for Teachers and Principals. Oxford, OH: National Staff Development Council , available at www.nsdc.org/sparksbook.html, accessed 5 Oct. 2002. Google Scholar | |
| Sport England and General Household Survey (2001) Participation in Sport: Past Trends and Future Prospect. London: Sport England . Google Scholar | |
| Stein, M., Smith, M. and Silver, E. (1999) ‘The Development of Professional Developers: Learning to Assist Teachers in New Settings in New Ways’ , Harvard Educational Review 69(3): 237–269 . Google Scholar | Crossref | ISI | |
| Stokes, L. (2001) ‘Lessons from an Inquiring School: Forms of Inquiry and Conditions for Teacher Learning’, in A. Lieberman and L. Miller (eds) Teachers Caught in the Action: Professional Development that Matters,pp. 141–158. New York: Teachers College . Google Scholar | |
| Terzian, M. (2000) Design Principles for Effective Professional Development: A Research Synthesis. Newton, MA: Education Development Center . Google Scholar | |
| Theodoulides, A. and Armour, K.M. (2001) ‘Personal, Social and Moral Development through Team Games: Some Critical Questions’ , European Physical Education Review 7(1): 5–23 . Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
| US Department of Education (2000) Does Professional Development Change Teaching Practice? Results from a Three-Year Study. Washington, DC: US Department of Education , www.ed.gov/offices/OUS/PES/esed/report/doc, accessed 9 June 2003. Google Scholar | |
| Whitehead, M. (2002) ‘Professional Development Board (PE)’ , British Journal of Teaching Physical Education 33(1): 24-24 . Google Scholar | |
| Williams, M. (2002) ‘Generalization in Interpretive Research’, in T. May (ed.) Qualitative Research in Action,pp. 125–143. London: Sage . Google Scholar | |
| Willis, S. (2002) ‘Creating a Knowledge Base for Teaching: A Conversation with James Stigler’ , Educational Leadership 59(6): 6–11 . Google Scholar |
