Course - Physical Education 2, course 2: Research and Development in Physical Education - MGLU3215
Physical Education 2, course 2: Research and Development in Physical Education
New from the academic year 2026/2027
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
This course builds upon Physical Education 1. This course focuses on exploring and gaining insight into phenomena and processes related to teaching and learning in physical education within the primary school context. The core of the course involves a process that, through instruction and supervision, leads to the planning and execution of a research and development (R&D) project, culminating in a written R&D-thesis. In this R&D-thesis, the student will engage in an in-depth study of a topic related to physical education and the subjects didactics, while also acquiring knowledge of relevant research methodologies.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Upon completion of the course, the student will have:
- a foundational understanding of research and development (R&D) as a method for professional advancement in physical education.
- knowledge of key research literature related to physical education and didactic perspectives in primary education.
- basic insight into and the ability to explain research methodologies applicable to R&D work in physical education.
Skills
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- identify, evaluate, and apply relevant literature as a basis for professional reflection and development in physical education.
- plan, conduct, and document a defined R&D-project in physical education under supervision.
- conduct research and development work in accordance with current research ethics guidelines and standards of academic integrity.
General Competence
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- contribute to innovation and creative thinking is aimed at improving teaching practices in physical education.
- reflect on their own practice and to utilize research-based knowledge as a foundation for professional development.
Learning methods and activities
Teaching can be conducted both theoretically and practically in diverse learning environments. Students are required to work individually and in groups.
Compulsory assignments
- Obligatory course work according to course description
Further on evaluation
Assessment in the course is based on the independent, written research and development (R&D) thesis resulting from the student's work process. The assignment may be submitted individually or as a joint project by two students who have collaborated on a shared topic. The R&D thesis is graded as passed/not passed. If the thesis is not passed, the student is allowed to submit a revised version once (this counts as the second examination attempt). For a third attempt, a completely new thesis must be developed and submitted.
Mandatory acitivies:
The following requirements must be approved for the student to be eligible for final assessment:
- Minimum 80% attendance in scheduled teaching activities (see semester plan)
- Up to six exercises related to the student's R&D project
The students can be assessed, required to take part in coursework and required to attend teaching related to interdisciplinary topics.
Mandatory activities are assessed as passed/not passed. All required coursework must be approved before the student can sit for the final examination.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) may be used as a support tool, for example for idea development and structuring, but its use must be clearly described in the submission. Text, images, or other content generated by AI must not be used directly in the submission, but should be critically incorporated into the student's own independent work.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 1-7 (MGLU1-7) - some programmes
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (MGLU5-10)
Recommended previous knowledge
Physical Education 1 (30 credits) or equivalent.
Course materials
Reading list will be shared in Canvas.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| MGLU3115 | 15 sp | Autumn 2026 |
| MGLU3515 | 15 sp | Autumn 2026 |
Subject areas
- Physical Education
- Teacher Education