Dr Mark Griffiths, an Associate Professor in Pedagogy at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, describes in 60 seconds his research in examining ways to help young people have positive experiences in physical education, sport and physical activity.
My name is Mark Griffiths and I’m a researcher in Pedagogy in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. In my research I examine ways to help young people have positive experiences in physical education, sport and physical activity.
Research suggests that positive sports experiences are dependent upon the quality of the engagement process, suggesting that the role of teachers and coaches is critical. Effective practitioners inspire participants to engage not only in sport, but also wider educational activities. Equally, negative sports experiences can put individuals off sport for life.
In my research, I examine the role of professional development activities to engage teachers and coaches as critical, reflective, evidence-based practitioners. I work with local, national and international agencies in designing, implementing and evaluating ways of making practices more effective. This requires focusing on both individual and broader socio-cultural factors that influence learning behaviour.
The impact of this work is significant in helping professionals create positive sports experiences for all participants, which in turn, has implications for lifelong health and well-being.
Dr Mark Griffiths' profile