Classroom Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact of Barriers to Teaching Physical Education on the Quality of Physical Education Programs
A journal provides a critical account of a journal/article. It presents a brief overview/description, analysis and interpretation of a topic and usually provides strengths and weaknesses of the article’s content. The task of writing a journal review is not as onerous as writing an essay which requires considerable library research.Brief Summary: Provide the range, contents and argument of the article. Choose 2-3 arguments/themes to write about (200 words).
Critical Discussion: List 2-3 key arguments/themes. This is the main section of the journal response. Ensure that you are clear about the author’s argument and critically analyse and evaluate the article (if you aren’t clear about the author’s argument then you will find this section difficult to write). Ensure that you provide evidence to support your criticisms from the text and other references (500 words).
Evaluate: Overall contribution that the article has made to your understanding of the topic and the cohorts it affects. This may be in relation to your outlook and ability to relate to the topic, how it may affect you in your teaching career, how it may affect students of all age groups now and into the future, etc. (300 words).
Provide references throughout the review and at the end of the journal response.
Ensure the structure and layout of their assessment is clear and addresses all four headings (above).
Use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar throughout the journal response.
The following questions may assist you to address the journal/article thoroughly:
Objectives – what does the article set out to do? Who is the intended audience?
What is the author’s purpose? E.g. to present an article that builds on a contentious issue. Does the author define important terms?
Is the information in the article fact or opinion? (Facts can be verified, while opinions arise from the interpretation of facts). Is the research well-supported?
What are the author’s central arguments or conclusions? Are they clear? Are they support by evidence? Is the article logical and easy to follow?
Is the author’s language objective or is it charged with emotion and bias?
If illustrations or charts are used, are they effective in presenting information?
