Enhancing student learning experiences in sport psychology modules using practical activities

Roberts, Dr Claire-Marie; Barber, Lerverne

Authors

Dr Claire-Marie Roberts

Lerverne Barber

Abstract

The University of Worcester states in its most recent strategic plan (2013 – 2018) a set of enduring values that guide and direct the activities of the institution. The first listed, and perhaps the most important value is the striving to be “an outstanding university at which
to be a student”. This is further supplemented by values such as “to inspire our students to reach their full potential through excellent, innovative teaching, scholarship and research” (University of Worcester 2013: p.4). One of the many ways in which the institution strives to provide this outstanding educational experience is through regular engagement, both formal and informal, with students at a number of points in each semester. Regular experiences of collating formal and informal feedback has led to the identification of a common theme amongst Higher National Diploma (HND) students in the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences (ISES), where they consistently request ‘more practicals’. The ISES modules however are designed to incorporate a high degree of interaction, practical activities and tasks. This is especially important for those studying at HND level as research suggests differences in learning preferences exist when compared to undergraduate students, the former preferring a more tactile style of learning (Peters et al. 2008). Using an introductory Sport Psychology HND module as an example, practical activities and tasks are fully embedded in the taught sessions to enable contextual links to be made between the learning outcomes and their subsequent use.

Citation

Roberts, D. C., & Barber, L. (2015). Enhancing student learning experiences in sport psychology modules using practical activities

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Jan 10, 2015
Publication Date	May 1, 2015
Journal	Worcester Journal of Learning and Teaching
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	10
Pages	53-57
Keywords	student engagement, learning preferences, action research, sport psychology
Public URL	https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/834781
Publisher URL	https://rteworcester.wordpress.com/resources/worcester-journal-of-learning-teaching/