Structure

SUMMER 

• EDEL 595 - Knowing & Being: Foundations of HPE (F2F @ UofA): Epistemology (the nature of knowledge) and ontology (the nature of being) are central concepts to philosophy, research and, most importantly, life! The premise of this class is to examine what some of these ways of knowing and being have been, are and are becoming in the broad field of health and physical education (HPE). As well, we will engage in creative processes around teaching philosophies, vision/ mission statements for HPE programs and the art/ science of culture creation.

• EDEL 595 - Physical and Health Literacy (F2F @ UofA): This course is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of Physical Literacy and Health Literacy within the school context. Physical Literacy & Health Literacy Praxis is an examination of the theory and practice of physical literacy in physical education. The course will consider seminal research and founding principles; recent adaptations; assessment tools and Canadian leaders.

FALL 

• EDEL 561 - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Curriculum (online): Curriculum development occurs at all levels of education – from lessons enacted in classrooms to revisions to programs of study. In this course, we will explore the field of curriculum development and the tensions and debates that exist within it. It is intended to support your ability to engage critically with curricular issues and support your ability to interpret curricula as it relates to your practice.  

WINTER 

• EDEL 567 - Introduction to Educational Research (online): This introductory research methodology course is intended to support graduate students' understanding of the many ways in which educational research is conceptualized and conducted. Students will develop their ability to read educational research critically and with understanding in order to support their work as researchers and practicing professionals.

SPRING 

• EDEL 573 - Practitioner Research in Education (online): Practitioner research is a growing field of study and many school authorities encourage and recognize teacher reflection and research.  This course explores methodologies of practitioner research as applied in educational settings. Students will develop an understanding of these forms of educational research and be able to apply them to their own unique contexts.

SUMMER (two of these options)

• EDEL 595 - Inclusive HPE  (F2F @ UofA): Inclusive Education is the recognition that practitioners address and respond to the diverse needs of their students, including students with disabilities. This course will advance students’ knowledge and understanding regarding inclusion in HPE by exploring theoretical perspectives and relevant literature on inclusion. An emphasis will be placed on unpacking practitioner assumptions, negotiating inclusion in current school contexts, and confronting issues related to inclusion.

• EDEL 595 - Taking Well-being Outside (F2F @ UofA): The outdoor space can be used as a classroom and as a tool for practicing well-being. This course will explore relevant literature about teaching and learning outside as well as examine appropriate practices for schools and teachers. Students will develop an understanding of the impact of and barriers to taking well-being outside while experiencing the outdoor environment first hand.  

• EDEL 595 - Health Promoting Schools (F2F @ UofA): Health Promoting Schools (Comprehensive School Health) is an internationally recognized and empirically supported framework that places students as primary beneficiaries of improved health and learning outcomes through coordinated action with all members of the school community. This course will explore foundational and emergent literature; integrate whole child educational principles and models of wellbeing; provide opportunities to examine local contexts and strategies as well as make applications to teacher wellbeing.

FALL

• EDEL 595 - Research in Practice (online): The teacher as researcher is the focus of this class. Building on EDEL 573, students will conduct research in their own context.

WINTER 

• EDEL 595 - Meaningful Physical Education (online): Meaningful physical education (MPE) is an emergent area of research and practice that addresses the purpose of the subject area. This course will explore the foundational literature, key features, pedagogical applications, new research and theoretical implications of the MPE approach.  Students will have opportunities to apply learning in local contexts and learn how to support colleagues to take up innovations in their practices.

SPRING 

• EDEL 595 - HPE  Capping Project: Project ideas will be identified in EDEL 567 and 573, then acted upon in the Fall research in practice course. The capping course will consist of drafting and finalizing a piece of academic writing (knowledge mobilization) based on a relevant topic of choice in HPE. The non-credit capping presentation (EDEL 599) will be included as part of the final assignment.