# 58 - Bridging the Gap

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In this episode, Dr. Dean Dudley, a senior lecturer in physical education and health from MacQuarie University in Australia, shares his journey in education and the major life lessons he has learned that have helped shape the direction of his career. Dean also discusses the key factors necessary for providing students with a quality physical education experience and ways that practitioners can become researchers in their own teaching space. The divide between research and practice is explored to better understand how this gap might be better bridged in order to enhance the overall physical education experience for students of all ages. If you are a physical education and health teacher, you are sure to find a gem or two applicable to your own practice in today’s episode with Dr. Dean Dudley. BioDean Dudley is currently a Senior Lecturer in Education at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and a Chief Examiner for the New South Wales Board of Studies and Teacher Education. Prior to undertaking a career as a researcher, Dean was a Head Teacher in secondary schools, Director of Education for the Australian Sports Medicine Federation, National Education Manager for Surf Life Saving Australia and Soldier in the Australian Army. Dean completed his PhD and a Master of Education (Research) at the University of Wollongong and also holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Health Science.In 2012, Dean was awarded Churchill Fellowship in the fields of Health, Medicine and Education. Following this fellowship, Dean worked as an Expert Consultant to the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was appointed as the Australian Delegate to the International Federation of Physical Education (Fédération Internationale d'Education Physique- FIEP). Dean's research focuses on evidence-based teaching, learning, and health research in schools and the metacognitive assessment of pre and in-service teachers. He is also interested in understanding the associations between health and learning in school-aged children and adolescents.Connect with DeanTwitter: @deandudleyEmail: dean.dudley@mq.edu.auThemes Discussed:Quality Physical Education, Research to Practice, Curriculum, Student Achievement in PE, Teacher Empowerment, Drawing on All Disciplines