Chinese Physical Literacy Association Tea Meeting: Shaping Physical Literacy in Greater China

As Chair of the IPLA, Nigel Green was invited to share insights with the CPLA on key aspects of physical literacy. He provided a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the concept of physical literacy and discussed Sport England’s approach to the Consensus Statement and future strategy. He also addressed questions on how physical literacy can thrive at personal, school, and community levels, whether it can be directly taught and learned, and the strategies or programs used in England. Additionally, he explored the connection between Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and physical literacy.

 

Main Highlights

The Chinese Physical Literacy Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting physical literacy in the Chinese regions. The Carpe Diem Tea House is a serial online monthly event, in which researchers and practitioners share their ideas, research, and physical literacy experience.

The CPLA was looking at clarification in their understanding of the concept of PL, particularly in relation to purpose related to PE, whether it is a competency or/and a disposition? Nigel shared the IPLA interpretation of the concept of PL and why Margaret Whitehead had developed the concept with its philosophical underpinning. He shared other definitions from around the world and how these linked to different cultures, interpretations and misunderstandings. Nigel then went on to explain the Sport England Consensus process and results and how the key principles were being shared to a wider audience. Nigel shared how the many other initiatives that IPLA are involved in have impacted around the world, using examples from Taiwan, India, British Fencing, and Mosston’s Spectrum of Teaching Styles. He concluded by explaining the link between PL and Inner Development Goals (IDGs), particularly in relation to the often-neglected affective domain of PL.

Lessons Learned

There was a genuine interest in the key principles that underpin the concept and a recognition that although there are different definitions of PL from around the world, often linked to culture, the key principles appear to underpin all definitions and can be seen as a focal point for all sectors to focus on when promoting PL. With a number of the delegates having been involved in discussions related to the IDGs and affective aspects of PL, there was a desire for this aspect to be explored further.

Next Steps

The IPLA needs to reignite the focus on IDGs and the affective aspects of PL to explore how these can further support our understanding and promotion of the concept worldwide.