The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Education, Sports Coaching or Sport and Exercise Sci

Defining key terms and concepts

Evaluate the role and application of evidence-based practice in your field of study (e.g. Physical Education, Sports Coaching or Sport and Exercise Science)

While addressing the essay title, consider the following key questions:

1. What is meant by the term ‘evidence’?

2. How can ‘good’ and ‘bad’ evidence be distinguished?

3. How is trusted evidence created?

4. Why is evidence important to furthering knowledge and solving practical problems?

5. How has evidence been used to develop practice in the past?

6. How can new evidence be used to develop practice in the future?

The purpose of the assignment is to give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge of evidence-based practice to your programme of study. This assignment is typical of the type of writing tasks you will encounter throughout your degree and is designed to give you the opportunity to practise the academic skills you have developed over the course of the module. The feedback you receive on your assignment will help you to improve these skills and build your academic confidence.

100% of module grade.

Throughout this assignment, you will be assessed on:

• The depth of your knowledge on the role and application of evidence based-practice in your field of study
• The logic and precision of your argument, and the degree of criticality displayed its construction
• The quality, objectivity and readability of your writing style
• The breadth of resources used to inform your argument
• The accuracy of your in-text citations and reference list

Introduction – 100 words 

In the introduction, place your assignment into context. A good introduction should clearly state the purpose of the essay and signpost the reader to the structure and content of your argument.  Your introduction should provide the reader with a clear understanding of what the assignment is about and how you will address the central focus. Use the assignment structure to help organise your thoughts.

Defining key terms and concepts – 200 words

In this section, use the literature to describe and critique what is meant by the term ‘evidence-based practice’. You should never assume the reader is familiar with the topic or concepts you are writing about; therefore, it is essential that you define key terms and operationalise the central focus of the assignment at the start of your essay. Consider questions 1 and 2 in addressing this task.

The role of research in advancing knowledge and generating evidence – 400 words

Throughout this section you should explore the links between research, evidence, knowledge and applied practice. It is expected that you will draw on a range of resources to explain how research and the research process is central to the production of knowledge and the generation of evidence for the advancement enhancement of professional practice. Consider question 3 and 4 in addressing this task and ensure to use examples to illustrate your argument.  

Past, present and future applications of research – 700 words

In this section use examples of contemporary research to illustrate the practical application of knowledge in your field of study. Based on your reading, first, provide a brief account of recent advancements in your discipline of knowledge (e.g. physical education) before critically evaluating a minimum of two peer-reviewed research articles. Ensure to describe each study in detail to demonstrate your understanding of the research and explain how the evidence presented could be used to improve applied practice. Consider question 5 and 6 in addressing this task.

Conclusion – 100 words

In the conclusion, return to the purpose of the assignment that was set out in the introduction of your essay. A good conclusion will contain a concise summary of the key argument(s) made throughout the assignment. Ensure the reader is left with a clear understanding of what the assignment was about and how you have successfully addressed the essay task.