The Physical Educator is NOT a Gym Teacher

The Physical Educator is NOT a Gym Teacher

There are remarkable differences between a PHYSICAL EDUCATOR and a gym teacher. Here are some examples of what a PHYSICAL EDUCATION teacher would implement in a quality physical education class.

1. A physical educator makes contact with EVERY student at least one time each class period.

2. A physical educator uses positives when disciplining students.

3. A physical educator uses constant psychomotor, cognitive, and affective tasks for the studentsa to perform throughout the entire class period.

4. A physical educator states clear expectations for performance level behaviors.

5. A physical educator incorporates measures of preventive discipline by the second (many levels of performance, many distribution areas for equipment, no lines, time on task is high, prescription of activities is developmentally appropriate, low lecture time - 80% activity ratio or higher, ball per student, etc.)

6. A physical educator uses creative lesson plans and instruction (use a variety of teaching styles and techniques).

7. A physical educator has a variety and balance of activities.

8. A physical educator uses different ways to place students on teams (avoid team captains so nobody is picked last)

9. A physical educator has low wait time (intermittent verbal explanations instead of mass lectures).

10. A physical educator uses visual verbal models as a part of the demonstration (see, say, and do).

11. A physical educator will address a large group every 30 seconds.

12. A physical educator praises correct performance levels by giving specific feedback on the critical elements while the students are performing ("John, I like the way you are stepping with the opposite foot when you are throwing to your partner.").

13. A physical educator sits in a circle formation with the students to talk.

14. A physical educator does not play elimination games!

15. A physical educator will check for understanding throughout the lesson.

16. A physical educator will have closure in their lesson.