Innovative Approaches to Teaching PE
“Prior to completing this course, PE would of been one of my less confident subjects to teach…I have really learned how to break down the subject through engaging with this course” – Participant
Course Information and Key Themes
This course will explore innovative approaches to teaching Physical Education which can enhance pupils’ physical literacy. Contemporary approaches to support student skill acquisition in PE, as well as practical strategies to develop a motivational climate in your PE classes will be explored.
Participants will be introduced to ‘Sport Education’ an innovative curriculum model along with a number of further resources and ideas to develop pupils’ social skills, qualities and character in PE. Finally you will explore how digital technology can enhance PE learning and explore the potential of PE leadership to positively influence teaching and learning across the whole school.
Course Overview
Course Outline
Module 1 - Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition in PE
Have you ever wondered about the best approaches to teaching physical skills in your PE classes? In this module you will:
- Develop your understanding of fundamental movement skills and their importance in PE
- Consider linear and non-linear approaches to teaching motor skills in PE
- Explore resources for teaching fundamental movement skills in PE
Module 2 - Character Education in PE: Developing Social Skills and Personal Qualities
Do some children in your class struggle to play ‘fair’ in PE or on yard? Do all your pupils work well as part of a team or group? In this module you will explore strategies and resources to help explicitly teach these concepts amongst others.
- Consider the benefits of focussing on character education in PE
- Identify approaches to explicitly teach character education in PE
- Consider activities and resources to support character development in PE
Module 3 - Motivation in PE: Developing a 'Mastery’ Climate
Have you ever struggled to engage all pupils in your PE lessons? This module will empower participants to create a motivational environment in their PE classes to support enhanced engagement for all:
- Explore the key elements of a mastery motivational climate in PE
- Consider the place of competition in PE
- Explore activities and resources to develop a mastery motivational climate in PE
Module 4 - Sport Education: Motor learning, Character and Mastery in Practice
Sport Education is an internationally renowned evidenced based approach to teaching PE which involves supporting pupils to take on a variety of roles such as coach, referee, captain etc. In this module you will:
- Familiarise yourself with the main features of the curriculum model Sport education
- Examine the different roles undertaken by teachers and pupils in a sport education unit
- Explore activities and resources which support teachers to utilise sport education in their PE classes
Module 5 - Digital Technology and Leadership in PE
Digital technology and PE leadership can be used to enhance PE teaching and learning at a whole school level. In this module you will:
- Consider how technology can be used to enhance physical and cognitive skills development in PE
- Explore a variety of apps and resources to support learning in the PE lesson
- Reflect on the importance of PE leadership and consider practical approaches to support whole school development in PE
Course Author
Liam Clohessy
“I designed this course as I passionately believe that innovative approaches to Physical Education can have a positive impact on childrens’ physical activity levels both now and in the future. Quality physical education is more important in today’s society than ever before and we need to innovate to help our children develop physical literacy”
Bio
Liam is a primary school teacher from Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Cobh, Co. Cork. He currently works in curriculum development and was previously seconded to the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) working as a Health and Wellbeing Advisor supporting schools and teachers across Ireland. Liam also completed a PhD in the area of primary physical education leadership and has authored a number of publications in this area. He is a former chairperson of the Irish Primary PE Association and co-host of the podcast ‘Playful and Practical PE’. Liam has also previously worked as a lecturer in Mary Immaculate College and with the Active School Flag organisation.
What Participants Say About This Course
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