Olympic values education: The historical evolution of a pedagogy, review of Binder's 2012 article

Abstract

The article "Olympic Values Education: Evolution of a Pedagogy" by Deanna L. Binder (2012) explores the evolution of Olympic values pedagogy through three distinct curricular projects. The main focus of the research is the effective integration of Olympic values into formal education and the enhancement of associated pedagogical practices. The goal is to analyze how theoretical principles shape pedagogical practice and how these principles were applied in the creation of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP). The methodology used in the article is historical and descriptive, involving a detailed literature review and analysis of specific case studies. Binder argues that the pedagogical practices discussed provide a robust theoretical foundation for Olympic values education, highlighting the creation of the OVEP toolkit that guides the practical implementation of these values. The results indicate that the approach focused on the "lifeworld," which integrates Olympic values into students' daily experiences, is the most effective. However, the research points to the need for additional empirical data and a more critical analysis of the cultural challenges faced. The study concludes that, while Binder’s work offers a significant contribution to the pedagogy of Olympic educational values (joy of effort; fair play; respect for others; pursuit of excellence; and balance between body, will, and mind), the addition of empirical data and a more critical analysis of cultural difficulties could strengthen the research. Critiques of the Olympic ideal and reflections on the paradoxes of Olympic values are also addressed, offering a critical and enriching perspective.