Health Education and Physical Activity Pedagogy

Health education and physical activity pedagogy examines how teaching and learning processes shape individuals’ understanding, motivation and skills for active living and well-being. Rooted in interdisciplinary theory—from educational psychology and public health to exercise science—this field explores not only how to deliver content on movement, nutrition and self-care, but also how to foster critical reflection, autonomy and lifelong engagement. Traditional models have focused heavily on biomedical risk reduction and performance metrics, while emerging approaches advocate holistic perspectives that integrate physical, mental and social dimensions of health. Central concerns include curriculum design, teacher professional development, inclusive and culturally responsive methods, and the use of digital and community-based resources. By emphasising student-centred, inquiry-based and co-creative pedagogies, researchers and practitioners seek to promote physical literacy, counteract sedentary lifestyles, address health inequalities and support well-being across the lifespan and around the globe.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Health Education and Physical Activity Pedagogy publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in health education and physical activity pedagogy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Physical literacy: The combination of motivation, confidence, physical competence and knowledge required to value and engage in physical activities for life.

Holistic perspective: An approach that considers the interrelated physical, mental and social aspects of health rather than treating them separately.

Healthism: A cultural ideology that frames health as an individual moral responsibility, often emphasising fitness and body discipline.

Salutogenic approach: A focus on factors and resources that support health and well-being, rather than on causes of disease.

Student-centred pedagogy: Teaching methods that position learners as active agents in their own education, involving them in decision-making and curriculum design.

References

1. Searching for the alternative: A scoping review of empirical studies with holistic perspectives on health and implications for teaching physical education. European Physical Education Review (2023).
2. Secondary school students’ perception of health and teaching of health dimensions in physical education. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy (2024).
3. Promoting mental health and well-being in physical education: a qualitative study on teachers and lecturers’ perceptions and practices in Malta. Sport Education and Society (2024).