Associate Professor
Brendan Moy

Biography

Summary 

I work in Physical Education Teacher Education at QUT. Both my research and teaching are focused on the constraints-led approach (CLA), an alternative physical education teaching approach informed by contemporary motor learning theory.

Research 

In combination my research and teaching have primarily focused on developing Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) graduates as agents of change in physical education teaching practice. This evolution is essential because the predominant traditional teaching approach is informed by antiquated learning theory and its militaristic drill approach has been found to disengage students. The CLA is an ideal alternative as its individualised learning design is underpinned by the contemporary motor learning theory of ecological dynamics, which facilitates the development of intelligent decision makers in an inclusive learning environment.

My research has investigated how to successfully challenge PETE students’ traditional teaching beliefs and develop their receptiveness to the CLA. These findings have informed the learning design and delivery of practical units I teach, aimed at developing students’ understanding and application of the theoretical principles of the CLA.

My research has also investigated the challenges experienced by PETE students’ when implementing the CLA on school professional experience. The findings have led me to develop and implement an innovative, research informed, university teaching experience, and investigate how effectively it supports PETE students’ to authentically implement the CLA in practice. 

I have also investigated the efficacy of the CLA learning design on students’ performance and their motivation and engagement. 

Teaching

My extensive research into physical education learning design, over 37 years of practical teaching experience, and ongoing collaborations with expert colleagues and real-world school partners has informed my own teaching at QUT. This has given me the knowledge and skills to design and deliver innovative, engaging, authentic and relevant learning experiences and assessment tasks, that allow students to develop real world capabilities in a supportive and positive environment.

Career

Prior to commencing my career in the tertiary sector, I worked for 24 years as a schoolteacher in a variety of state and private schools. In total I have taught over 15,000 lessons, mainly in Health and Physical Education but also Junior Science, and Biology. Prior to studying teaching, I completed a degree in exercise science and subsequently worked as an exercise physiologist for 5 years in various gyms and fitness centres. 

Qualifications

Bachelor of Human Movement Studies: University of Queensland (1982)

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (HPE; Science): Brisbane College of Advanced Education (1983)

Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion: Queensland University of Technology (1997) 

Master of Health Science: Queensland University of Technology (2000)

Doctor of Philosophy: Teaching Against the Grain: Learning Designs for evolving Physical Education Practice. Queensland University of Technology (2016)