Moran, Michael John (2025) "What do you think?" Enhancing Teaching Practice through Student Reflection in a Meaningful Physical Education Framework. Masters thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
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Abstract
This action research study explored how student reflection, embedded within a Meaningful
Physical Education (MPE) approach, enhanced my teaching and children's learning in senior
primary physical education (PE). Guided by my values of fairness and inclusion, I critically
examined my practice and identified tensions between my intentions and actions. Over two
cycles, I implemented structured, scaffolded reflective activities to improve my students'
experiences of PE.
Findings show that student reflection acted as a means of capturing the students'
voices in a way that enabled me to adapt lessons responsively . It highlighted the value of
student reflection as a forn1ative assessment strategy for both students and teachers and drew
attention to the p lanned and unplanned benefits of reflection. However, the findings also
show that there is a need to scaffold and support the children along their reflective journey.
Finally, the study identified a 'Goldilocks zone' for reflection, balancing frequency to
maximise engagement without dimin ishing its impact.
Implications of this research include the need for professional development, practical
resources and policy guidance to integrate reflective practice effectively in PE. This is
particularly relevant given the emphasis on meaningful experiences as part of the Wellbeing
curriculum. This research reinforces the role of the teacher as a fac ilitator and co-learner,
demonstrating that MPE and reflection can help teachers create lessons that match their
learners' needs, thereby providing a more positive PE experience for their students.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | A Research Dissertation submitted to the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education |
| Keywords: | Enhancing Teaching Practice; Student Reflection; Physical Education Framework; M.Ed. Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education; |
| Academic Unit: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education |
| Item ID: | 21469 |
| Depositing User: | IR eTheses |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Apr 2026 13:36 |
| Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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