In Episode 33, Nathan Walker talks to PE educator, consultant and Vice Principal, Marcus Down about his journey from playing sports to teaching, including stints in Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, and Hanoi. His work focuses on the importance of meaningful physical education, aligning with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Marcus’s Early Life and Sports Background
Marcus begins by sharing his early involvement in sports, which started at a young age. With a father who was an avid baseball player and two older brothers, sport was an integral part of his upbringing. Growing up in Canada, he engaged in ice hockey from the age of five until 18 and played baseball from the age of three into his twenties. He also dabbled in speed skating for about six or seven years and later took up golf as a teenager.
His journey into teaching began unexpectedly during middle school when he participated in a work experience programme, shadowing a personal trainer. This experience sparked an interest in training elite athletes. However, it wasn’t until university, where he enrolled in a Kinesiology programme that he had a moment of clarity and decided to pursue teaching.
Early Career and International Experience
After completing his education degree, Marcus faced a challenging job market in his hometown. This led him to apply for teaching positions overseas, eventually securing a role in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, he met his wife, another Canadian, and the couple moved back to Canada. There, the speaker pursued a master’s degree followed by employment in Toronto.
The family’s international journey continued with moves to Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, before returning to Canada during the pandemic, settling on Vancouver Island. Marcus now works as a vice principal on a small island in the Southern Gulf Islands, where he also teaches PE across the school.
Philosophy on Physical Education
Citing the work of Dr David Kirk, Marcus emphasises that, when done correctly, PE can achieve a wide range of outcomes, including cognitive, social, and physical development. He highlights the unique environment PE provides for conflict resolution, shared decision-making, and face-to-face interaction, which are essential for personal and social growth.
The Importance of Meaningful Physical Education
Marcus discusses his interest in meaningful physical education (PE) and how it has influenced his practice. The framework of meaningful PE, which includes planning for autonomy, challenge, and social interaction, resonates with him and provides a structured way to reflect on and improve his teaching. He stresses the importance of intentional and purposeful planning to ensure that all students benefit from PE, rather than leaving outcomes to chance.
Universal Design for Learning in Physical Education
Marcus introduces the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which involves creating learning environments that accommodate the diverse needs of all students, ensuring that everyone can access and engage with the material.
In the context of PE, UDL aligns closely with the principles of meaningful PE. It includes three main principles: engagement, representation, and action and expression. Engagement involves motivating students and ensuring they feel safe and included. Representation focuses on how information is presented, ensuring it is accessible to all students, regardless of their background or abilities. Action and expression involve providing multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding and skills.
Applying UDL in Teacher Training
Marcus also discusses his experience introducing UDL concepts to trainee teachers. He found that many trainees were already familiar with UDL from their other courses, but needed guidance on how to apply it specifically in a PE context. The focus was often on representation and engagement, with an emphasis on ensuring that all students could access and participate in PE lessons.
In conclusion
In conclusion, Marcus believes that both UDL and meaningful PE offer valuable frameworks for improving physical education. By being intentional in their planning and reflective in their practice, teachers can create inclusive, engaging, and effective PE lessons that benefit all students.
About the Guest
Episode 33 is a conversation with Marcus Down. Marcus is a PE educator, consultant and Vice Principal. You can read more about his work at https://www.downwithpe.ca/. Connect directly with Marcus via X at @Down_with_PE
Listen and Connect
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If you would like to be a guest on the PE Insights Podcast please reach out by contacting us here or reach out to Nathan Walker via X at @NWalkerPE
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