
Introduction
In this episode, Nathan Walker talks to Katie Fitton-Davies, Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University in Physical Education and Movement Sciences. Katie shares her educational journey, from studying psychology to pursuing a PhD. Her work focuses on motivation, particularly how to inspire children to embrace physical activity through PE, fostering lifelong engagement in movement. Katie’s personal and professional experiences shaped her interest in self-determination theory and its application in education.
Understanding Motivation
Katie highlights self-determination theory (SDT), which emphasises the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. She explains how these needs influence students’ motivation levels in PE. For instance, a positive environment can encourage intrinsic motivation, while punitive or reward-based systems may lead to controlled, extrinsic motivation, limiting long-term engagement. Katie explores how teacher-pupil relationships significantly affect motivation. By showing consistent care and understanding students’ interests, teachers can create a nurturing climate. However, reward systems based on performance may hinder intrinsic motivation, reducing students’ willingness to engage without external incentives.

Strategies for Teachers
Katie recommends meaningful choices and non-linear pedagogies to enhance autonomy and competence. Simple gestures, such as letting children choose equipment, can foster ownership and engagement. Building relatedness through personal connections helps teachers tailor lessons to students’ interests, making PE more relevant and enjoyable. Katie highlights the significance of making learning personally relevant for students. Teachers should connect lessons to students’ lives, explain their purpose simply, and involve learners in understanding their goals. Even children as young as five can articulate their likes and dislikes, underscoring the need for educators to listen and adapt.
Balancing Autonomy and Competence
Katie discusses how fostering autonomy and competence is crucial in PE. Autonomy involves providing meaningful choices and engaging students in decision-making, especially in managing behaviours. Competence is supported by setting clear expectations, differentiating tasks, and ensuring all students achieve success, regardless of skill level. Children’s perception of their abilities often diverges from reality. Younger children equate effort with success, keeping them engaged. As they mature, discrepancies between actual and perceived competence can lead to disengagement. Teachers must address these perceptions to encourage continued participation and growth. Katie explains the difference between traditional linear pedagogy (teacher-led, structured) and nonlinear pedagogy (child-centred, constraint-based). Research shows linear approaches excel in supporting competence, while nonlinear methods enhance autonomy. Both have unique strengths and blending them may optimise outcomes.

What is Gamification?
Katie delves into gamification, a method of applying video game strategies in non-game contexts to enhance engagement and learning. Initially prominent in online learning during COVID-19, it has gradually permeated physical education. Gamification involves three levels: dynamics (e.g., storytelling), mechanics (e.g., rules and challenges), and components (e.g., points systems). Katie provides examples, including using the Gruffalo story to structure PE activities and a space-themed intervention to develop young children’s stability and cognitive skills.
Key Principles for Positive PE Experiences
Katie shares three non-negotiables for physical education:
- Listening to Children: Engaging students’ voices fosters ownership and responsibility.
- Enjoyment with Purpose: Tailoring activities to diverse interests ensures meaningful learning.
- Inclusivity: Creating differentiated, emotionally safe environments supports teamwork and growth.
Golden Takeaway
Katie urges mindfulness in pedagogical approaches, prioritising motivation by incorporating autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Thoughtful, evidence-based teaching can profoundly impact young learners.
Her mantra encapsulates the discussion: “If it’s easy, is it worth doing?”
About the Guest
This episode is a conversation with Katie Fitton-Davies, Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. Katie is an expert on motivation and PE.
Listen and Connect
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