Research: Pedagogical Studies
NIH Funded Research in SBPE
Join the SBPE Team
Graduate Program
Physical Education Teacher Certification
Faculty Research Interests
The Pedagogical Studies area emphasizes a rich blend of curricular and instructional theory and practice that prepares students for a variety of careers in professional and higher education. Graduate students are mentored to think broadly and creatively about the learning process and can conduct research using a variety of methods to examine program quality. At the completion of the Ph.D. students are well-versed in philosophical, psychological, and sociological theories underpinning curricular and instructional decisions and can apply this knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate effective educational programs for diverse students in both urban and rural settings. Knowledge includes background and experience in planning and teaching which can include public school teaching or experiences in other educational settings.
NIH Funded Research in Science-Based Physical Education (SBPE)
The NIH National Center for Research Resources has funded a 3yr. study to design, implement, and evaluate an elementary Science Based Physical Education (SBPE) curriculum for urban school children. The grant, totaling ~$1 million, will fund Curriculum Writing, extensive staff development for physical education teachers, the development of innovative instructional technology, and extensive data collection and analysis to examine the effectiveness of this program to enhance student learning in science and physical education. Click on the SBPE headings on the bar at the left to learn more about project details.
Join the SBPE Team
We are currently seeking a Project Director and Research/Teaching Assistants to work on different aspects of the project. Click on Join the SBPE Team to learn more about these positions and how you can apply to be part of the SBPE Team.
Graduate Program
The Pedagogical Studies graduate degrees (M.A. & Ph.) are particularly designed for individuals who are interested in full time coursework with the career goal of academic research and teaching at a university or college. The University of Maryland is a research university. Pedagogical Studies faculty work closely with graduate students to write grant proposals for external research funding, conduct research, write articles for academic journals, and present our findings at professional conferences nationally and internationally. Research is conducted in school settings and is focused on enhancing student learning in physical education. Our graduates are employed as assistant professors at research universities where they are exceptionally well prepared to conduct research and achieve tenure. For further information about the graduate program in Pedaogical Studies click here.
Physical Education Teacher Certification
Physical Education Teacher Certification is available only at the undergraduate level. For more information please see the Physical Education Undergraduate Page or email Mr. Josh Montfort, Physical Education Program Coordinator, at jsmontfor@umd.edu for more information about opportunities available in this program.
Faculty Research Interests:
Chen, Ang
Associate Professor, Kinesiology
Research Focus : Motivation, Physical Education
Research Summary : Dr. Chen's current research focus is on examining the motivational effects of personal and situational interests on learning in physical education. The research has examined the relationship between interests and students' motivation processes and teachers' curriculum design in secondary school physical education. The ultimate research goal is to develop a conceptual model articulating the effects of interests on knowledge and skill acquisition in physical education and serving as a framework for designing highly motivating physical education curricula for K-12 learners.
Ennis, Catherine
Professor, Kinesiology
Research Focus : Curriculum, Physical Education
Research Summary : Professor Ennis' research focuses on curriculum theory and development in physical education and physical activity with specific applications to urban school settings. She is a member of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education and has published over 60 refereed research articles in journals in education and physical education. She has made over 150 presentations to international, national, and regional audiences and has co-authored two books.
