Course Objectives

The course will provide students with the necessary tools to analyse and relate critically to sports-related pedagogical theories and practices. Students will gain an insight and understanding of various approaches to learning and leadership in sport. Learning and development is viewed as an integrated process in the context one’s life cycle. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of a democratic trainer-athlete relationship, and be able to evaluate and utilise various leadership and educational methods.

Course Description

• General didactics and subject-didactics, including methodology
• Activity and the specific characteristics of practice - didactic consequences
• Knowledge - learning
• Some theoretical approaches to learning
• Coaching as a leadership and learning strategy
• The athlete-trainer relationship
• Communication, empathy, self-confidence and recognition

Learning Methods

The course employs a flexible learning situation which preserves professional considerations, within the established framework of the course. Some of the subject material will be presented in the form of lectures, while other topics will be approached through self-study under guidance. The course material will be rendered more concrete by relating it to the students’ own experiences, thus motivating and engaging them to participate and discuss the relevant issues. Students are encouraged to be well prepared when attending lectures, participate in discussions and present questions and responses to the subject material they have read or encountered in the lectures. Students may also be asked to present a verbal analysis of a topic related to the subject drawn from the curriculum, or a relevant topic which they find of interest. Students may also be requested to carry out practical sessions, primarily involving the organisation of learning situations.

Assessment Methods

Students must submit 3 essays for their portfolio, related to relevant topics.

• Learning and leadership in sport
• Coaching, communication, relationship
• Individually-selected topic

Grades are assigned to each essay, which are averaged to determine the final grade in the spring semester.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean