Action Research in APE with Dr. David Adams

What's New in Adapted Physical Education

In this episode of What's New in Adapted Physical Education, we sit down with Dr. David Adams from Humboldt University. Dr. Adams, a graduate of Texas Woman's University, shares his journey from working at an Autism Center to leading a federally funded APE program at Humboldt. He then dives into his passion for action-based research, explaining how it empowers teachers to systematically meet the diverse needs of their students. We explore his latest publication, Implementing Action Research in Physical Education: A Guide for Physical Educators, and unpack the six critical teaching behaviors that form the foundation of action research—observation, data collection, designing and implementing interventions, analyzing data, reporting data, and reflecting on data. Dr. Adams discusses how these strategies enhance student outcomes, improve IEP meetings, and elevate the professionalism of APE teachers. In addition, he delves into barriers that can deter using action based research in their practices. Tune in to learn how evidence-based methods can bridge the gap between research and practical application in APE!