Xiaolu Liu

Xiaolu Liu is an Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University (GSU), within the College of Education & Human Development. She holds a Ph.D. in Physical Education Teacher Education from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.Ed. and B.S. from Zhejiang Normal University, China. Her research focuses on physical education teacher education, assessment literacy, and technology integration in teacher preparation. She has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles and presented at over 55 conferences globally.

Education:

• B.S. in Physical Education (K-12 Licensure), Zhejiang Normal University, 2013
• M.Ed. in Physical Education Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, 2016
• Ph.D. in Physical Education Teacher Education, University of Texas at Austin, 2020

Research Interests:

Liu investigates innovative approaches to prepare physical education teachers for K-12 contexts, emphasizing assessment literacy development and technology integration. Her work bridges computational thinking and traditional pedagogy to enhance teaching practices. Recent studies explore preservice teachers' attitudes toward fitness testing and the role of self-efficacy in physical activity behaviors.

Publications Trends:

Her articles analyze teacher preparation, fitness testing methodologies, and cross-cultural educational practices. Key themes include assessment literacy, motivational determinants of physical activity, and the impact of technology on pedagogy. Recent work examines subjective theories of assessment and social-emotional learning frameworks.

Awards:

• 2023 Outstanding Early Career Research Award (ICSPAH)
• 2020 Graduate School Summer Fellowship (UT Austin)
• Dr. O. L. Davis Jr. Endowed Excellence Award (UT Austin)

Professional Engagement:

Liu serves as Secretary of Physical Education for the International Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Dance and Sport (IAHPEDS) and is a member of SHAPE America, AERA, and ICSPAH. She has received awards for collaborative faculty-student research and excellence in teaching.