Service-Learning Methodology in Physical Education

This paper presents the results of original research conducted with students doing the Motor Games course on the Infant Teacher Degree programme at Jaume I University which uses service-learning (SL) methodology. Direct services were provided to children with disabilities. We used life stories as a research tool to determine whether they developed practical skills and academic content in the field of physical education (PE) teaching. We also sought to verify whether the use of SL promotes students' critical and reflective capacity. After analysing the interviews we obtained four categories of academic results: general aspects, teaching practice learning, the beneficial effects of teaching and constructive opinions and criticism. Finally we conclude that SL training programmes are useful for developing practical skills and academic content in the field of PE and also for promoting a critical and reflective attitude on the part of students.