Send us a text

Episode ONE introduces our first guests - the OGs of Meaningful Physical Education - Drs Tim Fletcher, Steph Beni (Riedel) and Deirdre Ni Chroinin. We talk about the origins and foundations of the framework, exciting developments and lots more!

Dr. Tim Fletcher is an associate professor in physical education pedagogy in the Department of Kinesiology at Brock University. Dr. Fletcher’s research focuses on two major lines of inquiry: teacher learning and self-study of teacher education practices. Dr. Fletcher is interested in the ways that reflecting on experience can inform how teachers learn to teach as well as how it can help his own learning about becoming a teacher educator. Dr. Fletcher has a number of publications in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and monographs.  More information about Dr. Fletcher’s research may be found here.

Dr. Déirdre Ní Chróinín is a senior lecturer in physical education at Mary Immaculate College. Dr. Ní Chróinín’s research interests are in teacher education in elementary physical education and on the place and meaning of physical education, physical activity and sport in children’s lives.  Dr. Ní Chróinín is also involved in self-study research reflecting upon her own practices.  Dr. Ní Chróinín has a number of publications in peer-reviewed journal articles. For more information about Dr. Ní Chróinín’s research click here.

Dr. Stephanie Beni is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, Norway. Her research interests lie primarily in understanding the ways young people experience meaningfulness in physical education and identifying practical tools by which physical education teachers can foster meaningful experiences for students. In addition, she enjoys studying her own practice and the process of supporting teachers in their professional learning.

Links from the episode:

• Beni et al. (2017) Meaningful Experiences in Physical Education & Youth Sport: A Review of the Literature
• Blankenship & Ayers (2010) The Role of PETE in Developing Joy-Oriented Physical Educators 
• Hill & Flemons (2023) Creating space for meaningful physical activity at home: women’s stories of social interaction, micro-adventure, and the joy of feeling strong
• Learning About Meaningful Physical Education Website
• Meaningful Physical Education: An Approach for Teaching & Learning (Amazon)
• Kretchmar (2008) The Increasing Utility of Elementary School Physical Education

Acknowledgments
Thanks to Isaiah Gleddie for the stellar (and original!) guitar intro/ outro.

Thanks to our three special guests!

This podcast is partially funded by SSHRC.

Thanks to Isaiah Gleddie for the guitar pieces, SSHRC for some funding and our guests for sharing!

To contact us:

[email protected]

[email protected]