Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with New Zealand coaches (N = 6) this study examined how video self-reflection (VSR) was perceived as a tool for learning within 'on-going' coach development. This study also looked to determine the potential barriers experienced by coaches before engaging in VSR. Each participant was a Performance coach (as identified by the NZ Coach Development Framework) with 5+ years coaching experience and had recently (in the previous 12 months) participated in a coach development programme that aligned with Sport NZ's Coach Development Framework. Five main themes emerged from the data, coaches had a positive perception of the benefits of VSR, a desire to engage in VSR but did not prioritise the time, logistical concerns, a fear of self confrontation, and evidence of knowledge for 'modern' coaching development. Findings indicated that coaches valued VSR as a tool for learning however, the lack of exposure and experience in the process meant coaches did not value the practise enough to dedicate specific time towards it. This study provides an evidence-base that can be used to support National Governing Bodies coach development frameworks, and the modification of content to encourage the use of VSR as a tool for learning.
KeywordsCoaching, Self-reflection, Coach Development, Video
IntroductionThe nature of coach learning has become an increasingly subject of research (Cassidy, Jones & Potrac, 2009; Cushion, Armor & Jones, 2003;Cushion, Nelson, Armour, Lyle, Jones, Sandford & O'Callaghan, 2010;Lyle, 2002). Formal coach education has traditionally been a primary vehicle for 'learning' and raising the standard of coaching practice with a subsequent increase in the level of investment and delivery of coach development programmes in western nations such as Australia, UK and Canada (Cassidy, Potrac, & McKenzie 2006;Cushion et al., 2003; Nelson, Cushion & Potrac, 2013; Trudel & Gilbert, 2006). However, learning can happen through a number of means, including informal environments such as observation, discussion with 'others' and self-reflection of practical experience. (Cushion et al., 2003;Irwin, Hanton & Kerwin, 2004; Nelson & Cushion, 2006; Nelson et al., 2013).In attempts to better prepare coaches, national bodies responsible for coach education have 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 F o r P e e r R e v i e w O n l y started to embrace the value of informal approaches to learning and development (Werthner & Trudel, 2009). Informal learning is a learning experience without a prescribed curriculum, including self-learning, interactions with other coaches, on the job learning, seminars and conferences (Sport NZ, 2012). This call for a broader emphasis on informal learning has led to, theoretically informed, pedagogical approaches in the design of coach education curricula, learning...