The primary schoolteacher and physical education: a review of research and implications for Irish physical education

Abstract

This article reviews research on primary physical education (PE). In primary schools around the world PE is taught by the classroom teacher rather than by a PE specialist. Most classroom teachers feel poorly prepared to teach PE programmes that are meaningful to pupils and provide the types of experiences that lead to lifelong participation. This had led some scholars to suggest that PE taught by non-specialist teachers in the early years may impact upon the broader state and status of PE. There has been much research related to PE and the primary classroom teacher; however, this body of literature has not been critically reviewed to identify important findings, significant challenges, and promising practices. We reviewed international research published between 1990 and 2010, highlighting emerging issues and implications for Irish PE policy and research.