#50 Dr Katie Fitton Davies. Rethinking how we teach movement in childhood

<p>Dr Katie Fitton Davies joins Andrew Telfer to explore how nonlinear pedagogy and gamification can make movement more meaningful for children and adults.</p><p>Katie explains how coaches, teachers and parents can create playful environments that encourage people to experiment, adapt and discover their own movement solutions - instead of prescribing a single “correct” technique.</p><p>Together they explore:</p><ul><li><p>The principles of nonlinear pedagogy</p></li><li><p>Representative learning design and perception-action coupling</p></li><li><p>Using constraints to encourage exploration and adaptability</p></li><li><p>The STEP framework: space, time, equipment and people</p></li><li><p>Using questions and analogies to create an external focus</p></li><li><p>Gamification beyond points and badges</p></li><li><p>Intrinsic motivation, autonomy and lifelong physical activity</p></li><li><p>Creating psychologically safe environments for movement</p></li></ul><p>Katie also shares a space-themed, parent-led intervention in which children completed movement missions and earned stars. The programme improved both stability and cognitive skills.</p><p>When people have opportunities to play, explore and solve problems, they can build confidence, physical literacy and a lasting relationship with movement.</p><p>Dr Katie Fitton Davies is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Movement Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. Her research explores physical education, nonlinear pedagogy, motivation, motor competence and physical activity, with a particular focus on creating meaningful movement experiences for children. Before joining LJMU, Katie worked as a Research Fellow at Coventry University, developing school-based physical activity and exercise interventions.</p><p><br /></p>