Exploring the Potential Value of Self-Study to Support Coach Learning

in International Sport Coaching Journal

Click name to view affiliation

Anne O’Dwyer Mary Immaculate College

Search for other papers by Anne O’Dwyer in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
and
Richard Bowles Mary Immaculate College

Search for other papers by Richard Bowles in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2018-0105
Keywords:
amateur; collaboration; improving practice
In Print:
Volume 7: Issue 1
Page Range:
95–101
Restricted access

A range of learning opportunities needs to be afforded to coaches to support the complexity of effective coaching. Coaches learn to coach in formal and informal settings. Much research has advocated collaborative coach learning, but there is a need to conduct research in order to evidence reliable ways to support collaborative coach learning. Self-study has been effective to support practitioners’ learning in teacher education and physical education teacher education. To date, there has been a very limited application of self-study in coaching contexts. This Insights paper advocates the use of collaborative self-study as a reliable and valid approach to support meaningful coach learning. This paper documents the researchers’ own experiences of learning to coach within a collaborative self-study. The coaches focused on developing an athlete-centred coaching approach. This paper illustrates how self-study supported collaboration, reflection, and pedagogical innovation over the course of a Gaelic football season. The authors outline implications for future research into coaching and coach education.

The authors are with the Faculty of Education, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland.

O’Dwyer (anne.odwyer@mic.ul.ie) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

International Sport Coaching Journal

Cover International Sport Coaching Journal

  • Avner, Z., Markula, P., & Denison, J. (2017). Understanding effective coaching: A Foucauldian reading of current coach education frameworks. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4, 101–109. doi:10.1123/iscj.2016-0108

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Barnson, S.C. (2014). Toward a theory of coaching paradox. Quest, 66(4), 371–384. doi:10.1080/00336297.2014.918891

  • Bertram, R., Culver, D.M., & Gilbert, W. (2016). Creating value in a sport coach community of practice: A collaborative inquiry. International Sport Coaching Journal, 3, 2–16. doi:10.1123/iscj.2014-0122

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bowles, R., & O’ Dwyer, A. (2019). Athlete-centred coaching: Perspectives from the sideline. Sports Coaching Review. doi:10.1080/21640629.2019.1649901

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bowles, R., O’ Dwyer, A., & Ni Chróinín, D. (2018). Being a player-centred coach: Challenges and opportunities. Presented at the Movement Skill Acquisition Ireland Conference, Cork, Ireland.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bullock, S.M., & Ritter, J.K. (2011). Exploring the transition into academia through collaborative self-study. Studying Teacher Education, 7(2), 171–181. doi:10.1080/17425964.2011.591173

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bullough, R.V., & Pinnegar, S. (2001). Guidelines for quality in autobiographical forms of self-study research. Educational Research, 30(3), 13–21. doi:10.3102/0013189X030003013

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Casey, A., Fletcher, T., Schaefer, L., & Gleddie, D. (2018). Conducting Practitioner Research in Physical Education and Youth Sport. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cassidy, T., Mallett, C., & Tinning, R. (2008). Considering conceptual orientations of coach education research: A tentative mapping. International Journal of Coaching Science, 2, 43–58.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Côté, J., & Gilbert, W. (2009). An integrative definition of coaching effectiveness and expertise. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(3), 307–323. doi:10.1260/174795409789623892

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Culver, D.M., Trudel, P., & Werthner, P. (2009). A sport leader’s attempt to foster a coaches’ community of practice. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4, 365–383. doi:10.1260/174795409789623900

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cushion, C. (2007). Modelling the complexity of the coaching. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2(4), 395–401. doi:10.1260/174795407783359650

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cushion, C.J., Armour, K.M., & Jones, R.L. (2003). Coach education and continuing professional development: Experience and learning to coach. Quest, 55, 215–230. doi:10.1080/00336297.2003.10491800

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Erickson, K., Bruner, M.W., MacDonald, D.J., & Côté, J. (2008). Gaining insight into actual and preferred sources of coaching knowledge. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 3(4), 527–538. doi:10.1260/174795408787186468

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Evans, M.B., McGuckin, M., Gainforth, H.L., Bruner, M.W., & Côté, J. (2015). Coach development programmes to improve interpersonal coach behaviours: A systematic review using the re-aim framework. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49, 871–877. PubMed ID: 25953904 doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-094634

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fletcher, T., & Bullock, S.M. (2012). Enacting literacy pedagogies: A collaborative self-study by teacher educators in physical education and science. Studying Teacher Education, 8(1), 19–33. doi:10.1080/17425964.2012.657011

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fletcher, T., Ní Chróinín, D., & O’Sullivan, M. (2016). A layered approach to critical friendship as a means to support pedagogical innovation in pre-service teacher education. Studying Teacher Education, 12(3), 302–319. doi:10.1080/17425964.2016.1228049

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gallimore, R., Gilbert, W., & Nater, S. (2013). Reflective practice and ongoing learning: a coach’s 10-year journey. Reflective Practice, 15(2), 268–288. doi:10.1080/14623943.2013.868790

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Garner, P., & Hill, D.M. (2017). Cultivating a community of practice to enable coach development in alpine ski coaches. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4, 63–75. doi:10.1123/iscj.2016-0076

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gilbert, W., Côté, J., & Mallett, C. (2006). Developmental pathways and activities of successful sport coaches. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 1(1), 69–76. doi:10.1260/174795406776338526

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gilbert, W., Gallimore, R., & Trudel, P. (2009). A learning community approach to coach development in youth sport. Journal of Coaching Education, 2, 3–23. doi:10.1123/jce.2.2.3

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gilbert, W., & Trudel, P. (2001). Learning to coach through experience: Reflection in model youth sport coaches. Journal of Teaching Physical Education, 21, 16–34. doi:10.1123/jtpe.21.1.16

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gilbert, W., & Trudel, P. (2005). Learning to coach through experience: Conditions that influence the reflective process. The Physical Educator, 62(1), 32–43.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hamilton, M.L., & Pinnegar, S. (2000). On the threshold of a new century: Trustworthiness, integrity, and self-study in teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education, 51, 234–240. doi:10.1177/0022487100051003012

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Headley-Cooper, K. (2010). Coaches’ perspectives on athlete-centred coaching (Master thesis). University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

  • Humm, R. (2010). How’s your coaching? In L. Kidman & B.J. Lombardo (Eds.), Athlete-centred coaching: Developing decision makers. Worcester, UK: IPC Print Resources.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Irwin, G., Hanton, S., & Kerwin, D.G. (2004). Reflective practice and the origins of elite coaching knowledge. Reflective Practice, 5, 425–442. doi:10.1080/1462394042000270718

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jones, R. (2006). The sports coach as educator. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

  • Jones, R., Potrac, P., & Armour, K. (2004). Sports coaching cultures: From practice to theory. London, UK: Routledge.

  • Jowett, S. (2007). Interdependence analysis and the 3 + 1Cs in the coach-athlete relationship. In S. Jowett & D. Lavallee (Eds.), Social psychology in sport (pp. 15–27). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • LaBoskey, V. (2004). The methodology of self-study and its theoretical underpinnings. In J. Loughran, M.L. Hamilton, V. LaBoskey, & T. Russell (Eds.), International handbook of self-study of teaching and teacher education practices. (pp. 817–869). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University.

  • Light, R., Evans, J., Harvey, S., & Hassanin, R. (2015). Advances in rugby coaching: A holistic approach. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

  • Loughran, J. (2007). Researching teacher education practices: Responding to the challenges, demands, and expectations of self-study. Journal of Teacher Education, 58, 12–20. doi:10.1177/0022487106296217

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Loughran, J., Hamilton, M.L., LaBoskey, V.K., & Russell, J. (Eds.). (2004). International handbook of self-study of teaching and teacher education practices (Vol. 2). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lyle, J. (1999). The coaching process: An overview. In N. Cross & J. Lyle (Eds.), The coaching process: Principles and practice for sport (pp. 3–24). Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lyle, J. (2007). A review of the research evidence for the impact of coach education. International Journal of Coaching Science, 1, 17–34.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mallett, C.J., Trudel, P., Lyle, J., & Rynne, S.B. (2009). Formal vs. informal coach education. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(3), 325–364. doi:10.1260/174795409789623883

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McArdle, S., Martin, D., Lennon, Á., & Moore, P. (2010). Exploring debriefing in sports: A qualitative perspective. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 22(3), 320–332. doi:10.1080/10413200.2010.481566

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Middlemas, S.G., Croft, H.G., & Watson, F. (2017). Behind closed doors: The role of debriefing and feedback in a professional rugby team. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(2), 201–212. doi:10.1177/1747954117739548

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Millar, S.K., Oldham, A.R.H., & Donovan, M. (2011). Coaches’ self-awareness of timing, nature and intent of verbal instructions to athletes. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 6(4), 503–513. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.6.4.503

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moon, J. (2016). The application of reflective practice: Reflective learning in the education and practices of FA football coaches. In W. Allison, A. Abraham, & A. Cale (Eds.), Advances in Coach Education and Development: From research to practice (pp. 66–76). London, UK: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nash, C., & English, C. (2015). Learning through communities of practice in sport coaching. In C. Nash (Ed.), Practical sports coaching (pp. 242–256). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nelson, L.J., Cushion, C.J., & Potrac, P. (2006). Formal, nonformal and informal coach learning: A holistic conceptualisation. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 1, 247–259. doi:10.1260/174795406778604627

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • O’ Dwyer, A., Bowles, R., & Ni Chróinín, D. (2019). Supporting collaborative self-study: An exploration of internal and external critical friendships. Studying Teacher Education, 15(2), 139–159. doi:10.1080/17425964.2019.1600494

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ovens, A., & Fletcher, T. (Eds.). (2014). Self-study in physical education teacher education: Exploring the interplay of practice and scholarship. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Paquette, K., & Trudel, P. (2018). Learner-centered coach education: Practical recommendations for coach development. International Sport Coaching Journal, 5, 169–175. doi:10.1123/iscj.2017-0084

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Petrarca, D., & Bullock, S.M. (2014). Tensions between theory and practice: Interrogating our pedagogy through collaborative self-study. Professional Development Education, 40(2), 265–281. doi:10.1080/19415257.2013.801876

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pill, S. (2018). Introduction. In S. Pill (Ed.), Perspectives on athlete-centred coaching (pp. 1–5). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

  • Richards, K.A.R., & Ressler, J.D. (2016). A collaborative approach to self-study research in physical education teacher education. Journal of Teaching Physical Education, 35, 290–295. doi:10.1123/jtpe.2015-0075

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rynne, S.B., Mallett, C.J., & Tinning, R. (2008). Learning in the workplace: High performance sports coaching. Presented at the Association Internationale des EcolesSuperieuresd’Education Physique (International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education), Sapporo, Japan.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Samaras, A.P., & Freese, A.R. (2009). Looking back and looking forward: An historical overview of the self-study school. In C.A. Lassonde, S. Galman, & C. Kosnik (Eds.), Self-Study Research Methodologies for Teacher Educators. (pp. 3–20). Netherlands: Sense.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Society of Health and Physical Educators. (2019, March 20). National standards for sport coaches. Retrieved from https://www.shapeamerica.org/standards/coaching/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Trudel, P., & Gilbert, W. (2004). Communities of practice as an approach to foster ice hockey coach development. In A. Ashare & D. Pearsall (Eds.), Safety in Ice Hockey (vol. 4, pp. 167–179). West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Trudel, P., & Gilbert, W. (2006). Coaching and coach education. In D. Kirk, M. O’sullivan, & D. McDonald (Eds.), Handbook of Physical Education (pp. 516–539). London, UK: Sage.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Trudel, P., & Gilbert, W.D. (2013). The role of deliberate practice in becoming an expert coach: Part 3– Creating optimal settings. Olympic Coach Magazine, 24, 15–28.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turnnidge, J., & Côté, J. (2017). Transformational coaching workshop: Applying a person-centred approach to coach development programs. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4, 314–325. doi:10.1123/iscj.2017-0046

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • United States Olympic Committee. (2017). Quality coaching framework. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

  • Vanassche, E., & Kelchtermans, G. (2015). The state of the art in self-study of teacher education practices: A systematic literature review. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 47(4), 508–528. doi:10.1080/00220272.2014.995712

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vargas, T.M., & Madrigal, L. (2018). The need for creative and collaborative research partnerships: A response to Evans et al. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(3), 439–440. doi:10.1177/1747954118771184

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Walker, L.F., Thomas, R., & Driska, A.P. (2018). Informal and nonformal learning for sport coaches: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(5), 694–707. doi:10.1177/1747954118791522

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wright, T., Trudel, P., & Culver, D. (2007). Learning how to coach: The different learning situations reported by youth ice hockey coaches. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 12, 127–144. doi:10.1080/17408980701282019

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zeichner, K. (2007). Accumulating knowledge across self-studies in teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education, 58(1), 36–46. doi:10.1177/0022487106296219

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1671 359 9
Full Text Views 89 33 2
PDF Downloads 70 37 4