As a lecturer I am often in tutorials when students ask me what reading they should do, or where they can find information about a particular topic.
Although for many students reading is a mammoth task I have always been a great lover of books (my partner can't believe how many books I read and how many I read over and over again) and for me, the fact that I am allowed to read at work is just another reason why I feel so lucky to have my job.
I constantly find myself referring students back to some specific texts so, here are my recommendations for the top 5 most useful books for any student starting to study PE teaching (or even those who are some way along)
1) Learning Theories Simplified- Bob Bates
Including a theoretical perspective to their writing is something many of my students struggle with at first. The many different ways which theory can be used to approach different aspects of teaching can be a bit overwhelming for students who are new to teaching, as it can be difficult to readily apply examples to situations when you have not had much experience in a classroom (or in a sports hall). This book provides short summaries of a wide range of different theoretical approaches with application to examples in teaching. An excellent starter book for those looking to gain a better understanding of theoretical principles.
2) The Good Research Guide: For Small Scale Social Research projects- Martyn Denscombe
This is my go-to book when giving advice to students about their research projects and dissertations. It was also a brilliant help to me whilst I was writing my Masters dissertation; as a distance learner I did not get the full benefit of contact with academics during my time at University and so this book was great at cutting through some of the more flowery language which can exist in some books about research methods. There are some areas which are not covered in enough depth however as a starting point I recommend everyone going to university gets hold of a copy, as it gives great explanations of all of the key features of social research.
3) Learning to Teach in The Secondary School: A companion to school experience- Susan Capel, Marilyn Leask & Sarah Younie (ed)
I was given this book as a present by my new colleagues when I was given the role of PGCE supervisor for the PE cohort of students last year. I already had a copy from my own student days but it is such a brilliant book I started reading it again. I was once interviewed by Sue Capel for one of her research papers and since then I have been a big fan of her work. This book covers every aspect of teaching PE and is a great cover all book for those starting their career. I would never say that reading only one book is recommended but using this as a starting point for your research will never be a bad thing.
4) An Introduction to Data Analysis: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods- Tiffany Bergin
I got this book as an inspection copy from the publisher when I was finishing my MA dissertation. My only regret is that I did not come across it before (although as it was published in 2018 it would have been nigh on impossible). I have recommended it to many students who are looking to get to grips with their data analysis during their dissertation research and have requested copies for the library too. Like the earlier Denscombe book, it is an easy read without the innumerable long words which often populate books of this ilk and makes what could by some be considered a rather dry subject interesting. So interesting in fact that I had brought it home with me to finish reading!
5) Good Education in an Age of Measurement: Ethics, Politics, Democracy (Interventions: Education, Philosophy and Culture) - Gert Biesta
As the final entry in this list, this may not seem to be the obvious choice but I think it is important that as teachers, or trainee teachers we begin to start questioning the processes we participate in and engage in debate around the wider questions within education. Gert Biesta was recommended to me by the wife of one of my ex colleagues and this book has shaped much of my research in the past 3 years. As an examiner, teacher and teacher trainer I am very interested in our mechanisms for assessment and how these are used to indicate quality, or success in the wider world. This book articulated for me what I had been feeling for a long time and I highly recommend it to all those interested in the processes of assessment.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of books prospective teachers should be reading. Let me know if you think there are any you think I have missed!
Although for many students reading is a mammoth task I have always been a great lover of books (my partner can't believe how many books I read and how many I read over and over again) and for me, the fact that I am allowed to read at work is just another reason why I feel so lucky to have my job.
I constantly find myself referring students back to some specific texts so, here are my recommendations for the top 5 most useful books for any student starting to study PE teaching (or even those who are some way along)
1) Learning Theories Simplified- Bob Bates
Including a theoretical perspective to their writing is something many of my students struggle with at first. The many different ways which theory can be used to approach different aspects of teaching can be a bit overwhelming for students who are new to teaching, as it can be difficult to readily apply examples to situations when you have not had much experience in a classroom (or in a sports hall). This book provides short summaries of a wide range of different theoretical approaches with application to examples in teaching. An excellent starter book for those looking to gain a better understanding of theoretical principles.
2) The Good Research Guide: For Small Scale Social Research projects- Martyn Denscombe
This is my go-to book when giving advice to students about their research projects and dissertations. It was also a brilliant help to me whilst I was writing my Masters dissertation; as a distance learner I did not get the full benefit of contact with academics during my time at University and so this book was great at cutting through some of the more flowery language which can exist in some books about research methods. There are some areas which are not covered in enough depth however as a starting point I recommend everyone going to university gets hold of a copy, as it gives great explanations of all of the key features of social research.
3) Learning to Teach in The Secondary School: A companion to school experience- Susan Capel, Marilyn Leask & Sarah Younie (ed)
I was given this book as a present by my new colleagues when I was given the role of PGCE supervisor for the PE cohort of students last year. I already had a copy from my own student days but it is such a brilliant book I started reading it again. I was once interviewed by Sue Capel for one of her research papers and since then I have been a big fan of her work. This book covers every aspect of teaching PE and is a great cover all book for those starting their career. I would never say that reading only one book is recommended but using this as a starting point for your research will never be a bad thing.
4) An Introduction to Data Analysis: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods- Tiffany Bergin
I got this book as an inspection copy from the publisher when I was finishing my MA dissertation. My only regret is that I did not come across it before (although as it was published in 2018 it would have been nigh on impossible). I have recommended it to many students who are looking to get to grips with their data analysis during their dissertation research and have requested copies for the library too. Like the earlier Denscombe book, it is an easy read without the innumerable long words which often populate books of this ilk and makes what could by some be considered a rather dry subject interesting. So interesting in fact that I had brought it home with me to finish reading!
5) Good Education in an Age of Measurement: Ethics, Politics, Democracy (Interventions: Education, Philosophy and Culture) - Gert Biesta
As the final entry in this list, this may not seem to be the obvious choice but I think it is important that as teachers, or trainee teachers we begin to start questioning the processes we participate in and engage in debate around the wider questions within education. Gert Biesta was recommended to me by the wife of one of my ex colleagues and this book has shaped much of my research in the past 3 years. As an examiner, teacher and teacher trainer I am very interested in our mechanisms for assessment and how these are used to indicate quality, or success in the wider world. This book articulated for me what I had been feeling for a long time and I highly recommend it to all those interested in the processes of assessment.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of books prospective teachers should be reading. Let me know if you think there are any you think I have missed!
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