This module aims to develop a critical understanding of reflective practice within sports coaching. A range of contemporary topics within reflective practice will be discussed and applied to coaching practice and coach education. Current topical areas of interest to be investigated will include:

Different approaches, processes and models of reflective practice
The role of reflective practice can play in professional development through, experiential learning, development of new knowledge and modification of existing practice
The role of the mentor in developing reflective coaching
Communities of practice
The use of video and other technology in reflection
Written reflections / reflective journals
Problem-based learning to develop reflective practitioners
Recent developments in coach education

Students produce a critical analysis on the value and use of self-reflection within your own coaching practice by considering contemporary arguments presented in relevant research. Students then conclude the assignment by providing a critical evaluation of the use of reflective practice within coach education, giving recommendations for future delivery within an organisation to improve the reflective practices of other coaches. Informal opportunities to receive formative feedback on your work will be provided. (LO 1, 2 and 3).

Students will follow an eight-week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Each activity will commence with tutor developed introductory material, using a range of formats. This material will then be followed by a series of weekly tasks that will deliver the learning outcomes of the activity. These tasks will be carried out individually, or as part of a small group. The assessments set within the module will allow students to demonstrate understanding and critical analysis skills via content and task related activities drawn from the module topic areas. In addition to core tasks, further additional reading, optional tasks and specific preparation for the module assessments will be required.

1. Demonstrate the ability to access a range of contemporary academic sources to critically discuss the principles of reflective practice and its use in the development of coaching knowledge and practice

Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis, Application, Reflection

2. Evaluate reflective practice use within coach education programmes

Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Problem Solving

3. Synthesise theory and formulate context specific/personalised models of reflection

Application, Knowledge & Understanding Learning, Reflection.

Access to an appropriate PC, with accompanying software including Office 365 (MS Teams, One-Drive, Word, PowerPoint et al.), Adobe, and Java software.

Access to appropriate reading materials, which can be accesses through the Staffordshire University library resource page for sport and Exercise.

Cassidy, T., Jones, R., & Potrac, P. (2009). Understanding Sports Coaching: The Social, Cultural and Pedagogical Foundations of Coaching Practice. (2nd edition). Oxon, UK: Routledge.

Ghaye, T. (2010). Teaching and Learning through Reflective Practice: A Practical Guide for Positive Action. (2nd edition). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Gill, A.J.G. (2021). Foundations of Sports Coaching: Applying theory to Practice. (3rd Edition). Abingdon, London: Routledge.

Knowles, Z., Gilbourne, D., Cropley, B., & Dugdill, L. (Eds.) (2014). Reflective Practice in the Sports and Exercise Sciences: Contemporary Issues. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Whitehead, A., & Coe, J. (2021) (Eds.) Myths of Sport Coaching. Sequoia Books.

Reflective practice has become a central feature within the provision of coach education throughout the world, yet coaches struggle to move beyond superficial aspects of reflection. The objective of this module is to support you in developing greater critical reflexivity skills. This affords you the opportunity to achieve a greater insight into your coaching identity and help you apply theory into your coaching practice more effectively. The assessment also focusses on enabling you to influence, lead and manage other coaches become ever more critically reflexive.