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PhD Student

Start date: Mode: Part-Time

Supervisors: Dr Joanne Hill, Dr Alex Baird

Working thesis title

Implementing and Evaluating the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) Model in Further Education Sports Settings: A Comprehensive ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Abstract

This research will explore the implementation and impact of the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model within Further Education (FE) settings, focusing on its potential to foster personal and social responsibility in students. Originally developed by Don Hellison for physical education, the TPSR model promotes values such as respect, effort, leadership, and empathy. This study will investigate its broader application across various disciplines and evaluate its long-term effects on student outcomes, including behaviour, social skills, and emotional development, particularly within diverse cultural contexts.

The research will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods to critically analyse TPSR integration into FE settings. It will focus on key areas such as professional development for teachers, implementation challenges, and comparative studies across different regions. In addition, the study will identify gaps in the current literature and propose future directions to enhance the model’s effectiveness in addressing contemporary educational needs, particularly regarding social-emotional learning and student well-being.

This PhD aims to contribute to the discourse on holistic student development, offering practical insights into how TPSR can be adapted to foster responsible, empathetic, and socially conscious individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of modern society.

Research questions

1. How effective are professional development programs and communities of practice in equipping FE sports teachers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to implement the TPSR model effectively?
2. What is the impact of TPSR implementation on learners' personal and social development, including aspects such as self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and social skills?
3. How can TPSR be integrated into the FE sports curriculum to foster the holistic development of learners and promote their social responsibility?
4. What are the challenges and barriers faced by teachers in implementing TPSR, and how can these be addressed through professional development, resources, and institutional support?
5. How do the outcomes of TPSR implementation in FE sports settings compare to those observed in primary and secondary school contexts?

About me

I currently work full-time as an Advanced Practitioner and Teacher of Initial Teacher Education (ITE). I will continue to work full-time and study part-time. I enjoy watching football and I’m a big Liverpool fan, I also have 2 dogs which I love taking on walks. I also like to coach football and play chess. I enjoy travelling, seeing new places and leaning about other cultures. My favourite movies are Harry Potter, and I am a massive Harry Potter fan, such a big fan, I even have some wands – unfortunately, they don’t work.

Contact information

Email: pearse.lavery@study.beds.ac.uk

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