Critical reflections on the design, delivery and analysis of education in sport for development

The analysis presented within this article derived from my recent completion of a PhD by publication. My PhD provided me with the opportunity to synthesise my previous research, the literature that informed it and my 22 years' experience as an educator in a variety of settings. The key aspect of the PhD was a critical reflection of the design, delivery and analysis of education in SfD. In building upon my PhD findings and the literature that informed them this article will reflect upon the broader role and purpose of education in SfD. The rationale for the critical reflection is to determine, in a constantly evolving and developing sector, the role of education in addressing both internal and external challenges. The aim is to address the tensions, inconsistencies and contradictions that surround the successful implementation of education within SfD. Whilst the article is a reflection it is also a synthesis that brings together knowledge from across SfD, education, physical education and development studies to inform understanding of the process of education in SfD. Findings highlight that the current environment provides significant challenges for those who see education as the essential element in maintaining SfD as a critical project. To address this concern I argue that the successful realisation of intended programme outcomes in SfD requires the creation of a participatory, equitable, inclusive, critical and reflexive environment that utilises education as the key element in achieving incremental, realistic and positive social change.