Training For The Body And Mind
The Age
Monday May 16, 2005
While it is not all games, it is fun, writes Ben Haywood.
THERE aren't many year 12 subjects in which it helps to work up a sweat, but physical education isn't like many other subjects. Although the course is primarily theory based, year 12 PE teacher Gary Gilbert says it is important for students to get out on the sports field."I try to include as much practical work as I possibly can," the Rowville Secondary College teacher says. "It is such a valuable learning tool."As well as helping to reinforce the theory learnt in class, he often uses a practical session to introduce a new topic. The sessions give students a frame of reference for their reading on each topic."Students are much more likely to remember something they have seen demonstrated than something they read on paper," Mr Gilbert says.Some practicals are scientifically focused, such as the multi-stage fitness test."Students run back and forwards over a 20-metre shuttle every time there is a beep. We take results throughout the test and then use those later in the classroom as the basis of our study."Other sessions are as simple as playing a sport. "Most of the students love to play sport. It's not that PE is just for athletes, but most of the kids can't wait to get out and play footy or soccer. But even those lead us to talk about things like microscopic structure of muscles," Mr Gilbert says."To this day I still remember learning in high school about how an electrical impulse leaves the brain, gets to the muscle and how thousands and thousands of messages are bouncing back and forward every split second. I was fascinated."That fascination led to Mr Gilbert's passion for teaching PE - a passion that he says keeps him going and encourages student enthusiasm."I think the key to getting students to learn is to get them enthusiastic about it, and the only way that can happen is when they see your enthusiasm and your commitment to the subject," he says.When there isn't time to get out of the classroom, Mr Gilbert is conscious of providing variety. Wheelchair Sports Victoria visited the class recently, and occasionally Mr Gilbert uses videos and guest speakers.He says that one of the greatest pleasures of year 12, the variety of students the subject attracts, is also one of the greatest challenges. Mr Gilbert makes an effort from early in the year to cater to the skill level of every student. To ensure no student falls behind, he runs a voluntary tutorial on Wednesday afternoons to give students the opportunity to seek extra help and begin exam preparation. The school also runs holiday classes for students who feel they need to do extra work."I want to offer as much as I can to the students who want to put in. Three-quarters of our year 12 PE students came in over the holidays to put in some extra time," he says. "I want to give my students every opportunity because I would hate to think they would miss out on a high score because I wasn't up to scratch."Study tips? Study consistently. It is better to study regularly for short periods than less often for long periods.? Form a study group to discuss concepts and revise.? Study when your mind is rested.LINKS? Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation:achper.vic.edu.au? VCAA Physical Education Index has past exams:vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/physicaledu/phyeduindex.htmlCAREERSAthlete, coach, dietitian, fitness instructor, personal trainer, physiotherapist, sportsperson, sports scientist, teacher.
© 2005 The Age