A1 Journal article (refereed)
Developing Future Physical Education Teachers' Intercultural Competence : The Potential of Intertwinement of Transformative, Embodied, and Critical Approaches (2021)


Siljamäki, M. E., & Anttila, E. H. (2021). Developing Future Physical Education Teachers' Intercultural Competence : The Potential of Intertwinement of Transformative, Embodied, and Critical Approaches. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3, Article 346. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.765513


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Siljamäki, Mariana Elisabet; Anttila, Eeva Helena

Journal or series: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

eISSN: 2624-9367

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 02/12/2021

Volume: 3

Article number: 346

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.765513

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79149


Abstract

Purpose: This article is based on a study that explored learning processes related to intercultural competence of PE teacher trainees. The context of the study was the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The study was conducted in connection to two courses that focused on equality in physical education and sport in 2020–2021.

Methods: Adopting an interpretive, as well as a critical approach, the authors focused on how the students described their conceptions and learning experiences. Based on their analysis they have then aimed to shed light on how interculturality, equality, equity, and diversity may be addressed in higher education in a more profound manner. The students' accounts were analyzed first through an open reading and subsequently through a more critical lens. The analysis was supported by theories of transformative learning, embodied learning, and intercultural education.

Results: Students' initial interest toward equity, equality, and interculturality seemed to expand during the courses. They increasingly reflected on the complexity of these issues and discussed the widening professional responsibilities of future PE teachers in promoting equality and supporting pupils in cultural heterogeneous classes. Discussions and practical activities that involved emotional and embodied elements seemed to be important in facilitating their learning processes. However, it is difficult to foresee how permanent the changes in their habits of mind and subsequent actions are.

Discussion: The authors suggest that embodied, practical approaches where the student is fully engaged in the learning process, and where conceptual, reflective, emotional, and affective levels are connected, may be a key in developing teachers' intercultural competence. They also suggest that it is crucial to revise higher education curricula from the perspectives of intercultural competence and structural inequality. In addition to separate courses, equality, equity, and diversity should be seen as red threads throughout higher education.


Keywords: physical training; sports; teaching and instruction; teachers; physical education teachers; diversity; interculturalism; cultural differences; multiculturalism; intercultural interaction; interaction; know-how; equality (values); tertiary education; physical education (upbringing); internationality

Free keywords: equality; diversity; intercultural competence; physical education; teacher education; Finland; transformative learning; embodied language learning


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-12-10 at 11:30