PDFE #9 PA/PE

Personal physical activity/physical education background:

My experience in early grades physical education was at my house with my mom because I was home schooled from first grade until high school graduation. At least 4 of 5 school days a week my mom sent us outside for activity right before lunch and/or at the end of the school day. It consisted of just my two brothers and I and it usually lasted about 30 minutes. In elementary school, we had neighbors who also home schooled and they would occasionally join us to play a group activity. The facilities were just outside - my front yard, driveway, and backyard. My mom provided us with a variety of activities and made sure we had equipment for each. We played organized sports like basketball, tee ball, soccer, street hockey, wall ball, badminton, and kick ball. During one year she signed me up for tennis which was down the street from my house. We also participated in activities like jumping on the trampoline, playing tag, swinging on our swing set, pogo stick-ing, and going for walks. From the time we started school in first grade, she emphasized the importance of being active every day and how it affects your life.

I always enjoyed the activities and felt like I learned a variety of ways to stay active from a young age. Since it wasn't through an organized school (like public or private school) the activity part was emphasized more than the education part but I feel like the belief that an active lifestyle is important was taught to me in a fun way. I also am well rounded in a variety of sports and activities now.

Assess current Georgia recommendations for physical education:

The current recommendations for physical education are not enough in my opinion. The approximate 40 minutes 2 times a week is not adequate to keep early grades active or stress the importance of being healthy and active. Not a huge increase is needed - maybe 3 times a week for 30 - 45 minutes at minimum. In order for the time to be used well, PE segments should be limited to one or two classes. The less students per PE time enables the teacher to get more taught and gives more students the opportunity to participate.

Since there is no requirement for PE in middle school, one needs to be created. Honestly right now anything is better than nothing. Because many middle schoolers would find "PE" uncool, this would be a good time to stress being active in general and requiring students to participate in learning a variety of sports and fun activities.

Comments on the characteristics of a quality Physical Education program:

I believe the class size should be the same at the class size of every other subject. If a teacher isn't allowed to have more than 30 students in a class (for example) than there shouldn't be more than that in (what i call) an equally important subject: PE. The time limit should also be equivalent or very similar to the time limit of other subjects.

A variety of tasks and subjects should be taught. Maybe three days a week be learning and participating in an activity and one or two days a week be a classroom topic. I think this is a good time to teach a variety of sports like volleyball and kickball, to get kids active, and teach badminton or golf so they have the opportunity of learning sports they might not learn anywhere else. Topics in a classroom time should include things like personal hygiene, healthy food choices, the importance of being active, the history of certain sports, how physical activity can benefit them, etc.

PE should include regular activity while also helping young students to develop movement skills. Fun games and activities can be implemented to teach certain subjects. A quality physical education program should improve students fitness and work to improve their cognitive abilities. PE teachers should keep in mind that this might be the only time a student is active during a week.

PE should be fun AND educational. All students should be encouraged to do their best and the atmosphere should always be positive. They should be aware that this isn't a time to see who is better and one thing than another person, but a time for all students to learn and improve.

Traditional Approach vs. the Skill Theme Approach:

Skill theme emphasizes fundamental movement whereas traditional theme emphasizes team sports and playground games. In the traditional approach, there is a low amount of students moving at once (example: kickball, only 2 people at most moving at the same time) and they are working on improving games. Skill theme, however, has a higher percent of student movement and improving skills. A lot of time is spent on rules and organization in the traditional approach whereas in the skill theme approach there is more time spent on actual activity and practice. In skill theme, there is an equal amount of practice for everyone. The Traditional approach can give the more skilled students more practice. The traditional approach has the downfall of potentially embarrassing less skilled students, but the skill theme approach doesn't single any student out. Lastly, anyone can teach team sports, but a PE teacher is needed to teach the skill theme approach.

PDFE #8 Stages of Learning Lab

Lab 7.1 on 10/25/10

Experimenter: Marley Simonis

Participant: Melissa Edwards

Trial 1: Melissa reaches step 2 of the 5 steps. Since this was her first trial, she relied heavily on directions and became confused from the pictures. They didn't seem to help her on this trial. She was in the Verbal-Cognitive state because she was learning what to do and trying to identify the goal of the skill. She was also deciding what to NOT do in this stage and devoted a lot of attention thinking about how to execute the step-by-step process for completion. This trial took awhile before she gave up.

Trial 2: Trial 2 she reached step 5 and completed the knot! Careful reading and rereading of the directions was necessary to complete all the steps. This was her first completion but she struggled determining the right loops to go through. Though she completed all steps correctly, she was still in the verbal-cognitive stage because observable behavior was jerky and uncertain. She talked her way through each step, repeating which steps she had struggled with previously (like which loops to put the rope through). There was a major reliance on instructions. Quality was fair - her wrist hole was small.

Trial 3: She reached step 5 again! At this point she had reached the motor stage. Signs of this were determining how to execute the steps quicker with more efficient hand movements, making less hesitant movements (increase in confidence of steps), and being able to detect mistakes before making them. Quality was fair- her wrist hole was a little small again.

Trial 4: Something went wrong. She only made it to step 4 and then made a mistake with her loops. Not enough practice with the rope is what went wrong - she was borderline verbal-cognitive stage and motor stage. In this trial, she determined what her wrong step was to ensure she didn't make it again on other trials. Quality = poor. Problems: step 5 was incorrect.

Trial 5: Corrected her mistake from trial 4 and completed the knot. Once again, however, her wrist hole was small. By this point though she was definitely in the motor stage. This completion was a lot quicker than the others and there was very little hesitation until step 4 when she made sure she completed the last step correctly. Quality= fairly good.

Trial 6: Reached step 5 and improved speed. I would still consider her being in the motor stage at this point. She was able to critique her performance and felt more comfortable with the steps. There was less dramatic improvement because not much improvement was needed. Quality = good. She corrected the small wrist hole problem.

Trial 7 - 10: Completed all 5 steps beautifully. By trial 7 she reached the autonomous stage because movements were effortless and became more automatic through every trial all the way to trial ten.

Notes for trial 7: No problems. Quality = good.

Trial 8: Perfect. Quality = good.

Trial 9: Beautiful and easy. Quality = good.

Trial 10: Perfect. Has the skill down. Quality = good.

Overall experimenter observations:

-slow start. very slow

-once figured it out - it became faster and more natural

-struggled figuring out which hole to go through at step 3

Participants comments:

"Pictures do not help"

"Written directions were confusing"

"I have rope burn"

PDFE #7

Personal Ability inventory:

5 - multilimb coordination, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, extent flexibility, dynamic flexibility, speed of limb movement, and motor timing.

4 - control precision, arm-hand steadiness, wrist-finger steadiness, trunk strength, gross body equilibrium, balance with visual cues, gross body coordination, movement rate, perceptual timing, and force control

3 - reaction time, rate control, aiming, static strength, dynamic strength, and stamina

2 - response orientation and explosive strength

1 - none

Five skills that I can perform with a relatively high level of proficiency:

1. Tap Dancing

2. Mowing with a zero-gravity mower

3. French braiding

4. One- leg turns in dance

5. Playing piano

Ideal ability profile:

Turning (in dance - different varieties)

1. Balance with visual cues

2. Dynamic flexibility

3. Trunk strength

4. Explosive strength

5. Gross body equilibrium

6. Multilimb coordination

7. Control precision

8. Perceptual timing

Discussion:

A person with nonideal ability profiles can use their own strengths to be able to turn in dance to compensate for not have the ideal ability profile.

If someone has good balance, this helps tremendously with any kind of turn. Balance with visual cues in dance is called "spotting" and allows a dancer to turn multiple times without losing balance or getting dizzy. They spot (or stare at) a place in front of them and even when they are turning, they must keep their head fixed on that spot. This is a skill that can be practiced and improved upon to help someone be a better turner and help them balance as well.

Perceptual timing is required to turn on beat with the music and also synchronize yourself with other dancers so you are making turns at the same time.

If a person has trunk strength they can use this to compensate for other abilities that are not as strong. Doing any kind of turns in dance requires "core" muscles to keep yourself upright on one foot. Trunk strength is especially necessary for a turn called "fouette" where a dancer is turning on one leg and the other leg is extended outward and "swinging" around to keep the dancers momentum going. Here is a video of fouettes to help you understand that there has to be trunk strength to be able to do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC1mBBscVHg

Flexibility is required for these kinds of turns as well which can be improved by a regular stretching routine. Many people who are flexible are good at fouette's because they can use their flexibility of legs to pull themselves around in these turns.

Explosive strength is only necessary for a few kinds of turns and is not necessary to be a good turner.

My personal ability profile is adequate enough that I have a good turning ability - though it is a little short of ideal. I have a 4 or 5 in most categories that are ideal for turning. In order to compensate, I have just practiced turning for many years, and over time, many of my abilities have improved. Working out trunk muscles has definitely aided in my stability in turning. Since flexibility is required for many different kinds of turns, I stretch on a regular basis and have increased flexibility to a level 5 which has greatly aided my turning performance. Overall with turning, practice and good technique lead to successful turning and will strengthen your abilities in these categories.

PDFE #6: Summary of Lab 6.1

In lab 6.1, the results of our balancing experiments showed that not all precipitants were good at all exercises. Only a couple times did a participant receive the same ranking twice for different exercises and no one was better at all exercises. The results were that no one had overall better balance than anyone else. We were all average - sometimes people had really good trials, and other times we could barely balance 3 whole seconds.

In the Stork stand, I was the timer and everyone else participated. Nathan had the longest balancing time in seconds for that experiment.

I had the best time for the Diver's stand. I attribute this ability to balance in this position to my 13 years of dance experience.

The heel stand was dominated by Katie, who probably has strong core muscles from playing lacrosse. That was an awkward stance that required not only balance, but a little strategy to center yourself over your heels.

The Sideward leap was my worst exercise. Nathan did the best by far in that exercise - which I attribute to his long legs being able to jump across the tape better. I had to jump farther because I am short, thus it required more balance once I landed.

There was error in the bass stepping-stone for us, because we all crossed 15+ lines...yet 15 is the max number you could reach in 30 seconds. So we all placed first in that one. Or we're disqualified for improper counting of seconds..

Mandi placed first in the book balancing. We were not able to finish all of our trials on that one, however.

Overall, I placed either 1,2, or 3rd in the exercises. Once again, my many years of dance training and core work definitely aided me.

This experiment proved in our small sample that not everyone has an underlying ability that allows them to excel in all sports/movement activities.

PDFE 4/5: Part 2

Interview:

I interviewed Ryan Hipp, who is an assistant athletic trainer here at Berry College.

1.Where did you attend college and what was your major? Did you go to graduate school? If so, where and for what?

I went to Berry for 2 years, but the Kinesiology program was dropped, so I went to Ga.Southern to finish up Undergrad, I have a BS in Kinesiology with a specialization in Athletic Training. I went to Grad school at James Madison University, MS in Kinesiology, specialization in Exercise Physiology.

2. Where are some of the places before berry that you have worked and what did you do?

Chick-fil-a, and doing landscaping for a guy that I knew.

3. What made you want to be an athletic trainer? Was this something you've always wanted to do, or did you ever consider other career opportunities?

I loved anatomy in high school, so I wanted to do something that involved the body. I considered physical and occupational therapy and even med school, not sure I had the study skills at the time for med school. I started working with Ginger, she is still the Head Athletic Trainer at Berry, and just enjoyed doing it, so I never stopped.

4. What are your favorite parts of this job? Least favorite? Hardest parts? Easiest?

My favorite parts are also my least favorite. The schedule changes daily, which is good for someone that gets as bored as I do, but it also makes it difficult to plan for things in the future. Not to mention that an injury may alter the time you get home if you have to go with someone to the ER with an injury. Like every job, there is some paperwork involved that I don't enjoy, but its part of it.

5. Do you have any training related certifications? If so, which ones?

I am an ATC, certified through the BOC which is part of the NATA (governing body of Athletic Training)

6. How are the work hours in this field? (i.e. are they flexible, are they varied, does it affect being at home...)

Varies everyday depending on practice schedules, which in turn are dependent on athlete's class schedules. Its not uncommon to work more than 40 or even 50 hours a week at times, and the weekends are usually full with practices and games. It really can cut into your personal life if you aren't careful.

7. I believe you have mentioned you worked with a football team. If so, what was that like? What is your favorite sport to work with? What is the highest level of athletics you have worked with?

Football is fun, crazy at times trying to keep up with that many players at one time. Whenever I'm asked about my favorite sport I usually respond that I like and hate them all equally for different reasons. Its hard to say that I prefer one over another, they are all different and have somethings that I like and dislike about them. I have worked at a Tae Kwon Do tourney a couple of times, I believe there were a few olympians there. I also worked at the Dew Tour a couple of years ago (similar to the X-Games).

8. What advice or tips would you give to someone who was interested in this field of work?

Love the anatomy of the body and how complicated it is. Have a true respect for how the body works. Plan things for yourself and make time for yourself, its easy to get burned out in this field.

9. If you could chose any place to work, where would it be and why? (a.k.a your dream job)

I would like to teach and do some research. As much as I love being on the field covering events, it is difficult with my family. Teaching would have more set hours.

PDFE 4/5

Reflection/Response:

This slideshow was really helpful as I plan out how to approach my future career. Overall it was really enlightening and made me aware of some ways to make the most successful.

Right now is the best time to be preparing for my future in this field of study, wherever Exercise Science takes me.

It started off with how to start planning to be successful now. Now is the time to be thinking ahead about internships, graduate school, and other experiences that will put me ahead of the competition when looking for a job. The best time to do that is as early as possible!

I liked how it talked about how I should use all my classes in a liberal art school to enhance my skills in many different areas. I think it is really important to be well rounded in the most things that I can. It is important to be able to contribute to many different things in a job field.

I believe that job preparation is not the only thing that a liberal arts education prepares me for. I have always been encouraged to meet new friends, and get involved in campus and community life because it will benefit me as a person in the long run.

As the slideshow exhibits, I believe it is vital to plan out what to be involved in and when, throughout your college experience. College is life preparation as well as job preparation. You shouldn't wear yourself out from over commitment and involvement, but it is important to be involved (volunteer, clubs, internships, sports, etc.) while also retaining a solid GPA. Let's be honest, involvement (experience) in various areas looks really good on a resume. But the caution here is to find a balance between being involved and active in campus and social life, while also being a good student. Many students lose that balance. For me, I think this is the most important part of finding a job after school, doing the best I can in school while also gaining friends, contacts, and the most experience possible.

Since this field of study is very competitive, I want to be able to use my grades, experience, and various involvement to put me ahead of the competition.