An ongoing research collaboration to develop teaching and research models brings a global perspective to WVU. Luis Miguel Garcia-Lopez, associate professor at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain, is on campus until April 30 in an effort to expand his lines of research with Stephen Harvey, associate professor, CPASS physical education teacher education.
During his one-month stay, Garcia-Lopez will observe PETE classes and conduct a research presentation. His research interests focus around pedagogical models, including game centered teaching, cooperative learning, sport education and, most recently, teaching social and personal responsibility in working with disaffected youth.
He explains why working at WVU and CPASS is an excellent opportunity to share work and research ideas. “Little by little I am meeting other academics. It is excellent to have the opportunity to talk with them and share teaching and research approaches,” Garcia-Lopez said.
Harvey has known Garcia-Lopez for nearly ten years due to his work on pedagogical models including Sport Education and Teaching Games for Understanding.
“Dr. Garcia-Lopez is an eminent scholar in these models in Spain, his publications in English offer a unique perspective in the global development of these models. It is a wonderful experience to be able to share ideas and collaborate while he is here,” Harvey stated.
Garcia-Lopez is currently head of the Music, Arts Education and Physical Education department, UCLM, and teaches various postgraduate courses within the primary education teaching program.
His main research lines include teaching games for understanding and the development of personal and social responsibility through sport.
Garcia-Lopez received his PhD in Sports Science at University of Castilla-La Mancha in 2004 and previously taught secondary education prior to working at UCLM as associate professor.