Physical Education Approaches

With an infinite number of learning styles in our classes, we use a multitude of teaching styles and techniques to get students excited about Physical Education. Strategies are selected based upon the nature of the activity and skill levels. This helps our students to find success in our classes and reach higher levels of critical thinking. A few examples of the different techniques used are listed below.

TEACHER INITIATED

As in any Physical Education program, there is a need for teacher initiated instruction. Teacher directed learning exists in our program to facilitate the learning of basic skills, introduction of new concepts or ideas, and guide appropriate large group instruction.

STUDENT INITIATED

It is our philosophy that students will get the most out of our program when they gain an intrinsic value for the activities and concepts being presented. We have found that these intrinsic values are easiest gained when the students are responsible for their own learning. Our Exercise Science Lab and Power Plant are set up so that students become responsible for monitoring their cardiovascular and muscular improvements, adjusting their workouts and adjusting to new activities as their bodies develop.

PEER INSTRUCTION

Through the use of peer instruction students are able to give and receive immediate feedback. Our ESL and Power Plant are set up so that students rotate through fitness stations in pairs. As they rotate, while one student is busy at the station, the other is responsible to give feedback and encouragement. As well, often in sports and basic skills units partners are used to help facilitate the introduction of new skills and give immediate feedback to each student.

TEACHER AIDES

Some classes are very fortunate to be able to use model students as "Teacher Assistants" (TA's). Students who have continuously proven themselves to be outstanding students and citizens in physical education classes are selected to help facilitate the learning process in our physical education classes. This group of students work to be role models to younger students, motivate students to find success in class and offer a helping hand to students who need it.

COOPERATIVE LEARNING

Throughout our program you will find the use of cooperative activities at every level. Whether being presented with a problem that is to be solved collectively or using a "jig-saw" activity to have each student teach a component of a concept to their peers, students are often asked to work together to develop critical thinking skills and accomplish common goals.

SOCIALIZATION

One of the best ways we have found to motivate students is to allow them the opportunity to participate in activities with their friends. Oftentimes, students come into a new class  not knowing anyone. We pride ourselves in our ability to help students build new and lasting relationships with their peers through ice breakers, partner activities, group activities and problem solving.