PhD Studentship: Stakeholder Approach to the Pedagogical Possibilities and Practices of the Mindsport Bridge

Location: Stirling Campus

Salary: ESRC PhD stipend rate plus fees

The Post

Are you interested in exploring innovation in school-based education? In collaboration with the World Bridge Federation (WBF), the proposed doctoral study will explore the possibilities and potential of the mindsport bridge in primary schools in Scotland. Mindsports are competitive, skills-based games, such as chess or the card game bridge, that require intellect more than physical skills.

For this doctoral studentship, you do not need to know how to play any mindsport. The ideal candidate is a dynamic social science student who is keen to develop their communication, writing and critical thinking skills. You will join an international project team involving community stakeholders and practitioners in the field of mindsport. The studentship will examine the ways that bridge practices support the key pillars of the Curriculum for Excellence: Health and Wellbeing, Numeracy, and Literacy (Education Scotland, 2024).

New theoretical and conceptual insights, such as drawing on Dweck’s (2006) ‘growth mindset’ theory, will be developed through a consideration of how the mindsport bridge could support collaborative learning and the health and wellbeing agenda for schools. In particular, the possibilities for pupils developing self-awareness and critical thinking through playing bridge will be investigated using a metacognitive approach (Brown 1987). Mixed methods, including surveys (pre and post-bridge engagement), teacher interviews and focus groups with children, will be used to research three offerings of bridge within and around curricular time, as well as through community provision.

Recommendations and guidance co-created with the World Bridge Federation (WBF) will inform local and national policies and practices relating to the use of bridge as a game-based educational tool or as an extra-curricular enrichment activity. The WBF will amplify impact by adapting the learning to other cultural contexts, particularly in countries with a competency-based curriculum model.

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Prof Samantha Punch  s.v.punch@stir.ac.uk

Essential Criteria

• Applicants will have a first degree (undergraduate) at 2:1 or above and have a demonstrable interest in the topic area under investigation.
• Applicants can have a Masters degree, however this is not a requirement.
• Applicants can study part-time or full-time.
• Applicants first degree will be in a relevant area (such as education, sociology, leisure studies, sport studies, childhood/youth studies, anthropology, social policy, human geography). The specific social science background is less important than the analytical thinking, planning, time management and organisational skills that you bring to the studentship.
• Applicants will be comfortable talking to children and teachers.
• Applicants will have some knowledge of qualitative or quantitative research methods.
• Applicants will have very good organisation and planning skills.
• Applicants will have very good communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Please note that all applicants must also meet ESRC eligibility criteria. ESRC eligibility information can be found here.

Desirable Criteria:

• An academic understanding of (or desire to understand) sport, mindsport and/or leisure
• Experience of qualitative or quantitative research methods.
• Some knowledge of childhood studies, education or curriculum-making.
• Experience of working or researching with children or young people.

For further details and how to apply, please see www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentship/stakeholder-approach-to-the-pedagogical-possibilities-and-practices-of-the-mindsport-bridge.

See bridgemindsport.org and here for further information on the project.

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