About
Research
Email: michael.hobson@stmarys.ac.uk
Tel: 020 8240 4135
Biography
Michael graduated from St Mary’s in 2010 with a BA in Physical and Sport Education, following this up with an MA in Pedagogy and Professional Practise in Physical Education. Michael was appointed as a lecturer on the Physical and Sport Education degree programme in September 2012, having worked as a graduate assistant on the programme from September 2010 to August 2012.
Through his studies and sporting experiences Michael has developed a keen interest in a wide range of content within a physical education and sport context including the philosophy, sociology and pedagogy of PE and sport. Predominantly his teaching and research supervision is within these areas, both on the BA (hons) in Physical and Sport Education and the MA in Education: Pedagogical Leadership in PE and Sport. This has led to a strong interest in of issues of social class, social inequalities and critical pedagogy.
These interests are evident in his master’s research which looked into university lecturers' use of high order questioning in practical teaching. As well as his PhD which he began in July 2014 at Loughborough University previously under the supervision of Professor John Evans, and now under Dr Rachel Sandford and Dr Mike waring. Michael’s thesis is exploring the interaction of Social Class and Corporeality upon undergraduate Physical Education student’s educational trajectories and subsequent study of PE at university. With consideration, being paid to how a student’s body size and skill has informed their educational choices and ability to conform to pre-conceived ideas about learning in PE both prior to and during their time in Higher Education.
In his work as a coach, he has worked with a variety of individuals including primary school pupils, adults training for the marathon, and individuals with learning difficulties. Most notable was his work as former head multi-skills and athletics coach with Special Olympics Richmond, running fully inclusive sessions and activities on a weekly basis, for individuals with all varieties of learning and physical impairments. Since joining the Physical and Sport Education team, Michael has also worked with the Centre for Coaching and the Physical and Sport Education degree programme.
Research
Research profile
Michael’s research interests revolve around the sociology of education, the sociology of sport and Physical Cultural studies. These include topic areas such as:
- Social class in education
- The body and “ability” in PE
- Inequality in Higher Education
- Critical Pedagogy