Coen van Putten’s 2025 study in the Journal of Sport for Development evaluates assessment practices within Special Olympics coach education programs across the Asia Pacific.
The study utilises Bernstein’s educational framework and a utilisation-focused evaluation approach, the research engaged coach developers from athletics and football to explore how assessments influence coach learning.
The study identified five key principles for practical assessment: it should be:
- continuous and adaptable
- align with coaches’ values
- be contextually relevant
- incorporate peer feedback
- be guided by transparent success criteria.
These principles enhance coach development by fostering reflective practice and aligning assessments with real-world coaching challenges. The findings advocate for a shift from rigid, standardised assessments to more flexible, inclusive methods that support ongoing learning, ultimately improving coaching quality and athlete experiences in Special Olympics programs.
View or download full study
Activity