Are Physical Education Lessons Suitable for Sport Talent Identification? A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this study was to shed light on the existent knowledge, internationally published over the last decade (2009–2019), on how to deal with talented children in physical education (PE). Methods: A mixed systematic review (SR) was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42019117211. Study eligibility criteria: The articles included were selected using the following criteria: (a) studies published in peer-reviewed international journals; (b) studies published from 2009 to 2019 (both inclusive); (c) studies that included quantitative and/or qualitative methods and findings; (d) research conducted within school contexts; (e) articles that focused on both talent/gift and PE, and (f) studies published in English or Spanish. Results: A total of 11 articles were identified. Results showed a gradual change in both methods and instruments used for talent identification (TI) in PE, focused currently on children’s health and involvement in sports. Second, there is consensus on the lack of clarity in schools’ policies and guidelines on how to deal with talented children in PE. Conclusions: Finally, there are alternative programs to elite athlete models that better fit in PE to deal with talented children and to avoid child disengagement in PE and sports.

Physical giftedness/talent: A systematic review of the literature on identification and development

“…The study is significant, as it provides the first known systematic review of the literature on the identification and development of physical giftedness/talent. Related reviews of the literature have had a narrower focus, specifically on talent identification in sport or physical education (Johnston et al, 2018;Prieto-Ayuso et al, 2020). By providing an overview of the existing intellectual territory in the area (relating to a period of time that simultaneously captures the greatest portion of the research in the area, and the most recent period, and therefore the most relevant period, to inform future work), it is expected that this review will draw attention to the precise scope of existing knowledge and its strengths/ deficiencies, to set some clear directions for research and as a basis from which to move the area forward.…”

Investment in Sports Talent Management Resources and Pupils’ Participation in Sports in Public Primary Schools in Kenya

“…The advent of 'war for talent' as proclaimed by McKinsey decades ago in the early 21 st century raised the profile of talent in the strategic agenda or organizations as well as in education institutions in the world (Van, Mathafena & Ras, 2015). Indeed, it is emerging that enlisting talented persons in organizations has been a key preoccupation for institutional managers in this century more than at any given time in human history ( Van et al, 2015;Renström & Stenling, 2019;Prieto-Ayuso et al, 2020). However, potentially valuable human talent will be wasted if society does not pay attention to understanding how that talent develops and how it should be managed.…”

Exploring the Multidisciplinary Factors Affecting Sports Talent Identification

“…As an integral part of education, PE is a purposeful, planned, and organized educational process conducted through physical activities and other auxiliary means (Mountakis, 2001 ). In a systematic review, Prieto-Ayuso et al ( 2020 ) showed that methods and instruments for talent identification in PE are changing, so it is important to select appropriate programs to deal with gifted children. In addition, PE teachers in the development of the scale can help speed up the identification of potential talents (Platvoet et al, 2015 ); however, teachers in school PE still face certain difficulties within the identification process (Bailey et al, 2009 ).…”