"It is like a little journey”: Deaf international futsal players’ and coaches' experiences in collaborative blended learning

De Martin Silva, L. and Francis, John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7457-5665 (2020) "It is like a little journey”: Deaf international futsal players’ and coaches' experiences in collaborative blended learning. International Sport Coaching Journal, 8 (2). pp. 183-196. ISSN Print 2328-918X Online 2328-9198

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Abstract

The aim of this study was twofold, firstly, to explore the challenges and successes faced by deaf international futsal players when using a collaborative blended learning (CBL) approach in preparation for a major competition, and, secondly, to provide a discussion of key coaching lessons learned to inspire coaches to consider how to best develop their ‘little journeys’. Data were collected from 12 players via six semi-structured focus groups, along with 36 reflective diaries maintained by the two researchers (who held the role of ‘Joint Head Coach’ and ‘Performance Analyst’), using a critical participatory action research (CPAR) methodological approach. Data collection and analysis were an on-going and cyclical process during the seven-month study. Four key themes were identified: ‘a little journey: a connected approach to learning’, ‘ownership, collaboration and connection’, ‘communication barriers and fear of misinterpretation’ and ‘players’ initial ‘buy-in’ to the constructivist approach to learning’. Key coaching lessons highlighted the need for a flexible and ‘connected’ approach to learning. Here, through our learning in-action and on-action, we often found ourselves as ‘social’ managers in trying to explore inter-relational complexities and support individuals to build trust, an aspect seen by players as crucial for actively developing CBL within the group

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