Dean Barker

Dean Barker is a Professor of Physical Education at the Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education, Faculty of Education and International Studies, Oslo Metropolitan University. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a focus on pedagogical development and critical inquiry in physical education.

His research interests include student learning in physical education, physical education teacher education (PETE), movement capability, fat stigma, health education, and curriculum enactment. His work applies critical and sociological perspectives to understand how physical education shapes student experiences and identities.

The recent publications (2023–2025) highlight a strong trend in critical pedagogy, curriculum studies, and health education, often using qualitative and collaborative methodologies. Themes include paradoxical teaching with fitness tests, migrant students' health education experiences, and the philosophical underpinnings of movement learning through Bildung theory.

• Editorial board member, 'Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education'
• Editorial board member, 'Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy'
• Board member, European Association for the Sociology of Sport

Dean Barker supervises six doctoral candidates and contributes to PETE programs at bachelor’s and advanced levels. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and is actively involved in research funding and dissemination. His work is supported by collaborations within the research group 'Body, Learning and Diversity'.