Huge Surprise in EDU 255

      On the first day of the semester the class was asked to individually teach the class for 4 minutes on a basic skill.  Everyone had the decision to choose from volleyballs, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, or hula hoops.  When my turn arrived I decided to teach the class on how to properly pass a soccer ball.  I figured it would be the easiest for me to explain as I played college soccer at Cazenovia College.  Here is my first attempt in EDU 255 to demonstrate my teaching ability. I am sure there will be many more to come!

        Over the course of the four minutes I thought I did a few things well, while other components will need improvement in the next teaching session. I believe doing a demonstration of proper technique gave the group an understanding of how to make the right pass to his/her partner. During the time the group was static I was looking around to see if any individuals were passing with poor technique. I also think having the group move by passing and moving with a partner was good because I did not want the group to remain static for the whole four minutes. Lastly, at the end the group was asked to huddle and tell me if he/she had any questions for me to answer.
        A section needing improvement is my ability to communicate with my group. I need to project my voice better and express my information in a clearer manner. Also, I would like to work on fitting all my information in at the beginning instead of forgetting pointers at the beginning of the demonstration. For example, I forgot to mention when passing a soccer ball the shoulders should be square with the ball and the upper body should be over the ball to keep the ball from leaving the ground. I need to talk more during the exercise and assist an individual who may be having trouble grasping the idea. At the end I need to ask what my group has learned, like the different techniques needed to make a correct pass.
        Observations by a teacher can only be beneficial to the educator because it allows him/her to assess the students and the itinerary of course material.  The observation of students improves student learning as the teacher gains the ability to obtain consistent feedback. By obtaining feedback, the educator can then evaluate specific classroom approaches through the response and body language of students.  An educator's observance of the classroom can assist in the revealing of the effectiveness of teacher performance and the progression of students within the classroom.

Summer Learning and the First Day of Classes!

        My initial reaction to creating the blog is it will be a beneficial tool not only now, but for years to come as I progress to a Physical Education teacher. Creating the blog was relatively easy and the hardest part was thinking of a creative; yet professional Gmail address. I look forward to referring back to the blog during the semester to further enhance the content.
     

Photo from Google Images

         Over the summer I worked at a soccer camp where I was in charge of instructing 4-6 year old children with my assistant. Coaching at the camp has given me the opportunity to reveal a few of my weaknesses, so I can make the corrections to become a stronger instructor. The camp was very essential as I was able to evaluate my overall performance throughout the duration of the camp.  I was also able to witness what instructions and programs were effective with the age group I was in charge of.  My campers were able to learn more effectively because I would perform a demonstration before the beginning of each drill/game. The drills/games are designed for the age group, so it specifically lays down the foundation for the game of soccer.  To help the 4-6 age group positive feedback was always applied as having the right attitude helps motivate the campers. Once the drill/game began it allowed me the time to evaluate every player in my group. The evaluation of each player gave me the ability to view which campers may need more attention due to his/her soccer potential.
     

Photo from Google Images

        In my first class with Professor Yang (PED 201) the basics of the class was covered. During class, the syllabus was discussed and Professor Yang's blog was viewed. Professor Yang then brought the class on a tour of Park Center to give the new students an opportunity to see where classes are located. Later, lab for PED 201 was held at Saint Mary's Elementary School where the students had the ability to see the building where we all would be helping. During our time at the school we were able to cover different things to expect and prepare for throughout our stay at Saint Mary's. My second class (EDU 255) with Professor Yang we spent the time in a gymnasium where the class was split into two groups. Each member in the group had to create an activity for the other members to perform for four minutes. The objects the students got to choose from were volleyballs, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and hula hoops. Sounds like the start of a great semester!