Perceived insufficient pedagogical content knowledge in teaching movement and physical activity. Experiences from an action-oriented study among educators in early childhood education and care

The study investigates how kindergarten employees in Sweden experience and manage teaching in movement and physical activity (MoPA). The researcher wanted to gain insight into how employees plan and execute MoPA teaching, as well as how their understanding and practice evolved through an 18-month action-based project. The research questions are: 1) How do the teachers perceive and experience teaching in MoPA? 2) How do they view the role of MoPA in kindergarten work? The aim of the study was to uncover both challenges and opportunities related to employees’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), especially in a context where free play was often preferred over structured activities.

The kindergarten staff reported that a lack of pedagogical knowledge limited their ability to implement effective MoPA activities, leading to a greater emphasis on free play. The project increased understanding of children’s varying activity levels, but most staff were unsure how to extend the activities to challenge all children. The results highlight the need for better training and further development of PCK in MoPA.

The study used an action-based design to explore kindergarten employees’ experiences of teaching in movement and physical activity (MoPA). The informants consisted of 88 kindergarten staff members in Sweden, distributed across five kindergartens, both private and public. The data were collected through filming of self-selected MoPA sessions, which were later analysed and discussed in focus groups. Each focus group met six times over an 18-month period, and the discussions were led by a moderator and transcribed for thematic analysis.

Sollerhed, A. C. (2023). Perceived insufficient pedagogical content knowledge in teaching movement and physical activity. Experiences from an action-oriented study among educators in early childhood education and care. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 1050311.