How Is Physical Literacy Defined? A Contemporary Update

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Author
Shearer, Cara
Goss, Hannah R.
Edwards, Lowri Cerys
Keegan, Richard J.
Knowles, Zoe R.
Boddy, Lynne M.
Durden-Myers, Elizabeth J.
Foweather, Lawrence
Date
2018-07-01Acceptance date
2018-06-26
Type
Article
Publisher
Human Kinetics
ISSN
0273-5024
1543-2769 (online)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Physical literacy continues to gain global momentum, yet the definition and underlying concept of physical literacy remain contested in both research and practice. This lack of clarity has the potential to undermine the operationalization of physical literacy. This paper considers the various definitions of physical literacy that are currently adopted internationally. Physical literacy experts identified seven leading groups that have established physical literacy initiatives. Although each group is unified in using the term physical literacy, there are contrasting definitions and interpretations of the concept. Common themes were identified, including the (a) influence of physical literacy philosophy, (b) core elements of physical literacy, (c) lifelong nature of physical literacy, and (d) the need to scientifically pursue a robust operationalization of the concept. We conclude by recommending that programs relating to physical literacy should provide a definition, a clear philosophical approach, and transparency with how their actions align with this approach.
Journal/conference proceeding
Journal of Teaching in Physical Education;
Citation
Shearer, C., Goss, H.R., Edwards, L.C., Keegan, R.J., Knowles, Z.R., Boddy, L.M., Durden-Myers, E.J. and Foweather, L. (2018) 'How is physical literacy defined? A contemporary update', Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 37(3), pp.237-245.
Description
Article published in Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, available at https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0136
Sponsorship
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Grant ID: Cardiff Metropolian (Internal))
Collections
- Sport Research Groups [1089]
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