APHA+Journal+2


 * Theme #2: Interview with your cooperating teacher.**

The classroom I will be in is a ninth grade Physical Education class. The students are that age of knowing what is right or wrong, however, they will push their limits. Ms. Palmer did not specify any classroom management techniques. Of course, safety is number one especially in a PE setting. Also, a gym is a large area so it is hard to see all the students at one specific time so the extra eyes Spencer and myself will be providing will be helpful. Ms. Palmer keeps the students so active that there is hardly any time to be off task. Inquiring teaching and discovery learning is a common in Physical Education. Yes, there is instruction of the techniques, but students need time and discovery to see what works for them. Little preparation is needed for student, but they will be pushed to do things outside of the box. The first day of the lacrosse unit students were given sticks and balls and told to partner pass, they did not know what to do or the correct form so they were discovering for themselves the critical elements of passing and catching. Then Ms. Palmer, Mr. Monson, and myself went around and gave pointers, correcting form and ensuring safety. I thought this was great because the students couldn’t pay attention for a long demonstration of the skills. Also, some are advanced enough that they do not need help. It was great that Mr. Monson and myself were able to teach with Ms. Palmer. The types of assessments Ms. Palmer uses in her classroom are standard among all Physical Education classes which in her point of view is not the best. Anyway, the point system is broken down by 7 points a day for dressing in athletic attire, another 7 for participation, these are daily points awarded. Sportsmanship/attitude and tests are given at the end of the unit or semester. Sportsmanship/attitude is at the teachers discretion. I did not ask Ms. Palmer about her opinions about MCA II and NWEA. Students are not tested in Physical Education for either. I will bring up the question on a later day. I was lucky enough to be there on the first day of the unit and Ms. Palmer had new students for this until so it was learning experience for all. I really like how when the students arrive for class the warm-up is started immediately rather than taking attendance and sitting around. The students are engaged and active right away so they can listen to instruction after the warm-up and be less anxious to play.