The behaviorist learning theory is such an integral part of my teaching strategy. In physical education we are constantly reinforcing positive behaviors and quality effort. Many of my students come in with the attitude that they are not good at or skilled enough for certain activities. It can be hard at times to motivate students to try to put effort into improving when they do not see instant gratification in what they are trying to accomplish. This is why it is imperative to acknowledge any signs of improvement that students are able to achieve.
A teaching philosophy that I have is getting students to understand the importance of being active and living an active lifestyle. We want students to find activities that they enjoy and have these activities carry over into their life outside of school staying with them throughout their adult years. Our student’s homework tends not be written assignments, but we do encourage them to participate in a variety of activities when they are away from school that will increase their heart rates. This is why it is important to introduce students to a wide variety of activities during class and make their experience with these activities as positive as we can.
Technology has played a significant role in increasing our student’s fitness awareness and motivation to become fit. We use heart rate monitors and pedometers to track our workout intensity. These devices have encouraged students to increase their intensity levels during class activities. Many of our students have taken home a heart rate monitor or pedometer to track their activity when they are participating in events away from school.
Letting students know the “why” in what we do is important, sometimes even as adults we are asked to do things and want to know the reasoning behind it.
ReplyDeletePositive reinforcement makes the students feel like what they are doing in worthwhile, they are able to instantly see the results of what they are doing and know that they are getting a positive response, which in turn makes them want to keep doing it. They then make those positive connections and aren’t afraid to try those same activities outside of school. When thinking back about my physical education experience in elementary and high school I have positive memories and think that is why I was so athletic growing up.
Using technology in physical education is such an awesome thing, with even simple tools such as the pedometer that you mentioned. I think you are doing such a great job with your classes; they are definitely going to have wonderful memories of the time spent in your class!
This plays such a huge part in education today. It is very important for students to be active. I understand how it may be hard for you to get students to participate because they do not feel they are particularly good at a given activity. If a student does not feel as though they are athletic, they would rather sit back and try to hide. Even though we have technology to help motivate students to become fit, we have had some technology that has made some students incredibly lazy. Between the increased use of cell phone, computers and video games, students want to communicate and play games rather than playing catch with a ball outside. Even the video game companies are coming out with physically fitness games. I think it is neat that you let students take home the heart rate monitors so they can play around and monitor their progress. This probably means so much more to them and they get so much more out of it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed what you said it your second paragraph. Being in physical education, I'm sure you are constantly trying to motivate students, boost confidence, and try to get the students to try new things. I also think that it's great about you incorporating technology into physical education. Our physical education department was fortunate last year to receive heart rate monitors and pedometers too! I believe that physical education plays a huge role in children's lives! :o)
ReplyDeleteThe technology you listed works well with the behaviorist theory. Being fit and healthy is so important and physical education is especially important for many in the US. With pedometers and heart rate monitors students have the ability to track their progress. This also provides the feedback for their performance.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever thought of having students create spreadsheets to track their progress over the semester? This could help show improvements and overall activity level.
The spreadsheet suggestion is a good idea. We use a Fitnessgram program that tracks student progress. Students first record their scores on a fitness worksheet then input the scores into the program. It is similar to tracking it on a spreadsheet.
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