Dr. William James Harvey
Title:
Associate Professor
Academic title(s):
Director, McGill Choices in Health, Action, Motivation, Pedagogy, and Skills Lab (CHAMPS)
Department:
Kinesiology & Physical Education
Professional activities:
Associate Researcher, Douglas Mental Health Institute
Area(s):
Developmental Psychology & Inclusive Education
Mental Health, Intervention & Psychopathology
Physical Health Education & Adapted Physical Activity
Sports and Exercise Sciences
Areas of expertise:
- Adapted physical activity
- Pedagogy
- Critical Pedagogy
- Self-regulation
- Self-determination
- Physical activity and persons with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Leisure
- Play and movement skill proficiency
- Physical and health education, sport sociology and cultural studies
Biography:
Dr. Harvey is the Director of the CHAMPS physical activity lab at the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education in the Faculty of Education of McGill University. “CHAMPS” stands for Choices in Health, Action, Motivation, Pedagogy and Skills and his lab operates in partnership with community stakeholders that specifically work with and empower people with disabilities.
Dr. Harvey and the CHAMPS research group studies the constructs of self-determination and self-regulation in the contexts of physical activity and leisure for persons with and without mental health problems. For example, we explore the links between leisure and physical activity in the community as well as building upon the leisure, play and fundamental movement skill performance and proficiency of all people!
Dr. Harvey’s research program is based on the interplay between theory and practice in adapted physical activity where various theoretical frameworks are applied and studied in practice. His solution-focused approach is a culmination of his combined research, teaching and clinical experience within various university, school and hospital settings. His background and training have supported the pragmatic merging of knowledge, teaching experience and associated research throughout his career.
Degree(s):
- B.Ed. Physical Education, McGill University
- M.A. Adapted Physical Activity, McGill University
- Ph.D. Adapted Physical Activity, McGill University
Selected publications:
- Michaud, M., Harvey, W. J., & Bloom, G. A. (2023). A scoping review of mixed methods research about physical activity for children with disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 40(1), 142–172.
- Harvey, W.J., Michaud, M., & Wilkinson, S. (2020). Mixed methods research in adapted physical education. In J.A. Haegele, S.R. Hodge, and D.R. Shapiro (Eds.), Handbook in Adapted Physical Education. (pp. 183-196). New York: Routledge.
- Connolly, M., & Harvey, W.J. (2018). Critical pedagogy and APA: A resonant (and timely) inter-disciplinary blend. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 35, 293-307.
- Harvey, W.J., Varriano, M., & Wilkinson, S. (2016). Critically seeking the fountain of mental health in physical education. In D.B. Robinson and L. Randall (Eds.), Critical Pedagogy within Physical Education: Problematizing Sociocultural, Political and Institutional Practices and Assumptions. (pp. 122-137). Toronto, Canada: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc.
- Harvey, W.J. (2016). Looking over our shoulders: Adapted physical activity from a critical perspective. In D.B. Robinson and L. Randall (Eds.), Critical Pedagogy within Physical Education: Problematizing Sociocultural, Political and Institutional Practices and Assumptions. (pp. 139-163). Toronto, Canada: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc.
- Harvey, W.J., Wilkinson,S., Pressé, C., Joober, R., & Grizenko, N. (2014). Children say the darndest things: Physical activity and children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 19, 205-220.
Program:
- M.A. Physical and Health Education, Sport Sociology & Cultural Studies
- Ph.D. Kinesiology Sciences (Physical and Health Education, Sport Sociology & Cultural Studies)
Graduate supervision:
Accepting Masters Students for the upcoming application period.
