St Mary’s Academic Delivers Lecture Exploring Sports Pedagogy

Michael Ayres, Programme Director for the Physical and Sport Education undergraduate programme at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, recently delivered a guest lecture exploring the different approaches that coaches and teachers use to engage with pupils. Michael, who is a representative for the Teaching Games for Understanding International Advisory Board (TGfU), was invited to speak at the annual conference, Sports Pedagogy in the XXI Century at Coimbra University in Portugal. The lecture entitled ‘Developing the concept of ‘thinking games’. A pedagogical shift from Knowing to Understanding’, explored the philosophical, conceptual and practical approaches that coaches and teachers may engage with to develop greater understanding in young people who participate in team sports and games. This was followed by a practical workshop where the benefits and challenges of engaging in such pedagogical approaches were explored. Michael said, “I was honoured to deliver this lecture at such a prestigious University and in the presence of their world renowned researchers, particularly within the field of sports pedagogy. The invitation is also evidence of the re-emergence of the excellent teaching and research reputation St Mary’s has established within the field of physical education and sport pedagogy.”