Education
Presented and produced by Seán Delaney. On this week's podcast I am joined by Professor Stefan Ward from Central Washington University who is currently a Fulbright Scholar in Dublin City University Institute of Education. Among the topics we discuss are: His interest in positive youth development How he became involved in Project Fun Direction and why it is important for young girls What is physical literacy and how is it developed? Physical education in schools in the United States Why games such as Dodge Ball and relay races need to be removed from PE class Specialist physical educators in the United States The Irish physical education curriculum What an effective PE lesson looks like (Moderate to vigorous activity; differentiated instruction; choice; reflection time) Assessment in PE (physical, cognitive, affective) Teaching physical education with minimal equipment (including planning for activities that require minimal equipment such as hiking, soccer). Skill themes in primary and post-primary PE classes Reducing risk of physical injury in PE class Modifying games Teaching physical education in all weathers or with limited facilities Generic and sport-specific strategies for differentiating a physical education lesson, such as tennis: cooperative practice, modify game to make goal easier, award points for attempts, use different equipment – e.g. foam ball, different racquet, give choices for students to be successful at different levels. Duties associated with his university role in the United States Shape America Positive Youth Development – self-determination theory (relatedness, competence and autonomy) Bringing Student PE teachers to volunteer in sports camps abroad in Guam and in Ireland Selecting candidates for a physical education teaching programme Impactful teacher: Tom Martinek Missy Parker Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Book: Youth Development and Physical Activity