tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067620815117114874.post3390350391090909134..comments2023-02-12T21:17:47.071+10:30Comments on Discuss Learning: Athletics - focusing on technique not measurementNick Turrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10872363180067896261noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067620815117114874.post-79267854199092292402012-02-08T17:14:12.580+10:302012-02-08T17:14:12.580+10:30I think you have raised a really important point a...I think you have raised a really important point about the FMS required in athletics and their transference to any number of physical activities, recreational or organised. It is something I have not discussed with my 7/8/9 students and will think about how I can have this discussion with them in the coming week. Thanks.Nick Turrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10872363180067896261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067620815117114874.post-16014882851243121872012-02-08T09:29:17.292+10:302012-02-08T09:29:17.292+10:30Hi Nick!
Some really interesting points that you...Hi Nick! <br /><br />Some really interesting points that you raise & make here.<br /><br />We've all done the measurement stuff (and still do at times) with our Aths I'm sure. Quantitative data can be very useful & indeed necessary for certain things like picking Aths teams (for Intra & Inter school competitions). <br /><br />As we know, the nature of Athletics is such that in many cases, the kids who are bigger, faster & stronger can & often do, win or perform best - regardless of technique & skill. Sometimes that's all the info we really need to know & that's ok!<br /><br />However, I believe that if we are to "teach" Athletics as part of the curriculum, then we also need to 'Educate' learners about the importance of the relevant Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) that are found in traditional Athletic events.<br /><br />By that I mean that we need to teach technique correctly & thoroughly for a 'Process' based goal - ie. ‘HOW’ to perform the relevant FMS & ‘WHEN/WHY’ they are important in what we do both within & outside of Athletics (ie. transferable learning), rather than just for the sake of seeing who can run faster, throw further or jump higher/longer - ie. ‘WHAT’ they can do (which is an 'Outcome' based goal).<br /><br />This will hopefully help learners to see the 'bigger picture' and help increase their motivation & desire for lifelong involvement in, and enjoyment of sport & physical activity.<br /><br />In teaching Athletics skills within the PE program, we want students to see the connections between what they are trying to achieve in athletics and the other sports & physical activity that they do. For example, improved running technique, speed & endurance that can be taught & developed in athletics, can help one's performance in other team or individual sports that they participate in. For those students who couldn't really care less about athletics, hopefully we can still appeal to their sense of health & wellbeing and the general benefits that come from being somewhat athletic, if not competitive!<br /><br />Intrinsic motivation to improve & the desire to achieve 'personal best' performances/results in athletics are also qualities that we obviously want our students to develop in their physical education experience. (Again, another way of engaging the ones who are 'not great at athletics' as you said in your original piece.)<br /><br />In terms of 'Athletics Assessment' within the school context, we can cater for all students (those who are more athletically gifted/talented as well as those less so & perhaps intimidated by the inevitable & obvious results based comparisons) by ensuring that we focus on both 'Results-based performance' AND 'Technical Skill Development'.<br /><br />Anyway, it sounds like you're doing a great job with your approach & that the kids are benefitting from & enjoying their experience in PE. And that is really what it's all about!!<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Stuart Welsh<br />Essential Phys. Ed. Services<br />www.essentialphysed.com.auStuart Welshhttp://www.essentialphysed.com.aunoreply@blogger.com