APHA+Video+Critique+Assessment

The objectives were not stated at the beginning of class, but they were written on the board. Students in any physical education class know that the standard of the class is to be physically active in class. The objectives are specific, however they are not as measurable because observing them performing the activity or lift is how the students’ progress will be measured. By being able to correctly do the lifts that were taught that day the student successful met the objectives. When the students were practicing against the wall it was apparent they need more direction so more time was taken going around and critiquing each student one on one. Then when it came to do the squat, for example, on the machines the students had already practiced the lift. The objectives are suitable for diverse learners because verbal cues are stated, along with a visual step-by-step demonstration, and written on the board. Students had learned proper form when lifting in the prior lesson so the basic skills were already established. Also, they had been practicing them enough that we were ready to build on those skills and move onto more difficult skills. For my biggest resource I used Ms. Palmer because she is big into weight lifting and has more knowledge about the sequence when teaching different lifts and the skills that students need to progress. As far as materials go, the equipment was already in the fitness center it was just a matter of figuring out the rotation. Diagrams for the students to look at while lifting could have helped instead of students finding a teacher and having them demonstrate each time. Or possibly even showing a video, but that could get boring. A formative assessment was used because it is important for the students to know the skills while they are learning. Constantly giving students feedback during the lift is much more effective than after the lift or at the end of the class. It is relevant to meet the objectives of the lessons because without meeting the objectives the lesson is unsuccessful. If the students are working towards the objectives but don’t quite get it yet then revisiting the lesson the next day with a different approach would be best. Also, re-evaluating the lesson and thinking of different ways to teach the objectives for next time. But, by the ninth grade students should be learning to lift with weights. I think it is important for the students to get more practice with the lifts before a summative assessment is given. As for the learning environment, the climate is pretty laid back, but the students are still engaged in the activities and usually full of energy. As a teacher in this classroom I feel confident and comfortable. It’s great addition to have two other teachers in the room with me. Some students I have really bonded with knowing their name, sports or activities they participate in, how classes are going, etc. Others are more reserved and if more time was available I think I could build a relationship with these students. Ms. Palmer and I have built a good rapport, we communicate with ease and bounce ideas around for the next class periods. She even introduced me to another teacher so I could come watch her teach a health lesson. It was very nice of her to do that and it showed she cared enough about my interest in health, I was very grateful for her help. It made me want to try even harder to show her what I can do as a teacher. The students know that safety is the priority because we are working with weights and injuries can happen easily. The students are constantly reminded to be safe. The expectations are also clearly stated on the wall. I feel that my presence is usually enough for the students to realize that I am watching and their behavior is acceptable. Walking around and having your head on a swivel helps because the fitness room is quite big. There were a couple students off task they just needed a little redirection and they were back to lifting. There is no seating arrangement for this class. The procedures are clear we first do a warm-up then skill development with controlled practice then practice with groups, the students are used to this. It also helps that the procedures are written on the board and verbally stated before instruction. Activities that were planned, directly related to the skills of weight lifting. Even in the warm-up scapula slides contributed to the success of squats and inverted rows. All activities were used and selected for their appropriateness to the skills. To differentiate for the students a combination of verbal, visual, and written instruction was used. Also, large group and small groups were incorporated as well as some one on one. I was able to address students with specific feedback, however not every students got the same amount. But, each student is at his or her own level of proficiency with each different lift. For example, a student that weight lifts everyday after school does not need as much or the same feedback as a student who has never lifted. Each correction made I would back with a positive thing that specific student is doing, even if it was they were attempting the lift. I would say I gave feedback to about 95 percent of the students. When talking about teaching for student learning, I have learned that students need more one on one time to effectively learn the skill. Take more time the first time and with when one on one instruction so less direction is needed when the students are spread out, individually working on the lift. I would use more equipment so students would have more space to effective lift. Stephanie is one girl that really listened during large group instruction and seemed like she really took the feedback and applied it. There was one boy who didn’t want to participate in any of the lifts. He also rubbed off on his friends. I think putting him with more motivated students would push him to try more. I have met another health and physical education teacher, Kendra. She is going to allow me to come observe her health classroom. By developing a professional relationship with Ms. Palmer I was able to met Kendra, hopefully this trend of networking will continue.
 * Video Critique**