Nancy Spencer, PhD

About

Degrees

PhD (Physical Education), University of Alberta, 2008

MA (Physical Education), University of Alberta, 1999

BA (Arts), University of Alberta, 1996

Background

The best part of my job is working with people, whether it be through teaching, research, or service. In particular, I adore working with undergraduate and graduate students. I loved my own University of Alberta experiences as a student; I did my graduate studies (Masters and PhD) in adapted physical activity in KSR and an undergraduate degree in linguistics in the Faculty of Arts. The world has changed significantly since that time, but one thing has not, our need for connection. If our paths should cross, I hope to be a part of a great experience for you too.

Research

I am committed to understanding what creates meaningful experiences in play, sport (parasport), and recreation for all people, and specifically people who experience marginalization. My research has primarily engaged with children and youth who experience disability using qualitative methodologies. Recently, my scholarship is becoming more relational and turning toward community-based work, where the voices of communities are centralized.

Current Research Projects:

• Modern Love in the Mountains: This community-based research project is with Rocky Mountain Adaptive, a Canmore-based non-profit, multi-sport organization, offering accessible outdoor experiences in sport and adventure activities for all individuals who wish to participate. This project is evolving, guided by the needs of the organization and the individuals and families it supports.

• Social Inclusion, Sport for Development and Peace, and Community-Based Research: Free play for kids: Along with KSR colleagues, this 3 year SSHRC funded project examines a non-profit, grassroots, sport-for-development organization in providing socially inclusive, no-cost sporting opportunities for refugees and immigrants.

• Physical Activity and Children with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)?: The Perspectives of Parents and Children: Along with colleagues at the Children’s Stollery Hospital and Dalhousie University, this study explores the challenges to community and school physical activity for children diagnosed with PAH.

• Re-Envisioning inclusion: Exploring the (re)production of child culture with children with Autism/who are Autistic: Together with a colleague from Dalhousie University, this study expands our understanding of child culture driven by young people who identify as autistic/with autism.

Previous Research Projects:

• Inclusion in the Field(s) of Dreams?: A SSHRC funded project exploring how integrated and specialized sport settings impact the experiences of athletes who experience disability.

• The Forest School Project: A case study examining nature based play in an early learning outdoor experience from the perspectives of teachers, parents and kindergarten children.

• Project Citizenship: A collaborative project with the Skills Society of Edmonton, a human services organization that supports people who experience disability, their families and allies. The purpose of the research is to examine the impact of a Skills Society led initiative designed to create social change through the lens of citizenship.

Teaching

I supervise both Masters and PhD students interested in a range of social issues touching on the areas of physical activity, sport, and recreation using primarily qualitative methodologies. Previous graduate student projects include: Inclusion in recess and children who experience disability; The experiences of athletes in women’s Paralympic sport; Access to recreation for youth living with low income.

I typically teach in the areas of adapted physical activity and child and youth physical activity:

KRLS 207: Physical Activity and Leisure for Diverse Populations

KIN 293: Movement Activities for Young Children

KIN 471: Physical Activity for Individuals with Developmental Impairments

KRS 530: Adapted Physical Activity (graduate course)

KRS 541: Sport and Physical Activity for Children and Youth (graduate course)

KSR 541 - Sport and Physical Activity for Children and Youth

This course examines a range of psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity participation among children and youth. Topics may include parental involvement, peer relationships, coach/leader behaviour, sport for development, talent development, life skills, and inclusion, and exclusion especially as they relate to an awareness and appreciation of difference and diversity. Throughout this course, ways in which coaches and physical activity instructors can promote positive developmental experiences for children and youth will be discussed, along with strategies for knowledge translation and exchange with broader community audiences including, in particular, Indigenous communities. Note: Credit will be granted for only one of KSR 541, KIN 541, PEDS 541, or KSR 741.

KSR 741 - Sport and Physical Activity for Children and Youth

This course examines a range of psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity participation among children and youth. Topics may include parental involvement, peer relationships, coach/leader behaviour, sport for development, talent development, life skills, inclusion, and exclusion especially as they relate to an awareness and appreciation of difference and diversity. Throughout this course, ways in which coaches and physical activity instructors can promote positive developmental experiences for children and youth will be discussed, along with strategies for knowledge translation and exchange with broader community audiences including, in particular, Indigenous communities Note: Credit will be granted for only one of KSR 741, KIN 541, PEDS 541, or KSR 541. Sections may be offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.

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