Case Studies in Physical Education: Real World Preparation for Teaching - Softcover

Stroot, Sandra A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1890871303 ISBN 13: 9781890871307

Publisher: Routledge, 2000

Synopsis

Case Studies in Physical Education, Revised Edition, applies the case study method to the field of physical education, where it is an effective means for future teachers to explore challenging scenarios that they are likely to encounter in their careers.

These engaging, reader-friendly case studies provide readers with concrete suggestions for connecting classroom theory with what actually happens in school. Theories and concepts concerning educational philosophy, methodology, curriculum, discipline, and assessment become more meaningful when explored in a case scenario in which the central characters confront situations that develop as a consequence of their or others' pedagogical choices.

The cases in this book also promote critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Each case is followed by questions that prompt readers to analyze the situation, formulate a plan of action to address the problem, and anticipate and evaluate the potential consequences of the plan's implementation. In small groups, individually, or as a whole class, readers can explore and debate their strategies for addressing the issues. Readers will learn there is no one right answer to situations that can occur in the education environment. They will develop their communication skills as they learn to articulate and defend a plan of action to address the situation, and they will also learn the importance of collaborating with colleagues as they listen to and learn from the ideas of others.

These cases were prepared by 36 experienced physical educators (from the elementary, secondary, and university levels)who collaborated in teams to create cases based on their collective, real-life experiences. As a result, the cases take place in a variety of contexts: in elementary, middle, and high schools; in urban, suburban, rural schools; and in wealthy and needy districts. They present a variety of issues encountered in schools today, including issues related to teaching methods, classroom management, multicultural education, classroom assessment, inclusion, relations with co-workers, marginalization of physical education, and gender equity. As in real life, each case raises a number of related issues that stimulate further discussion or provide opportunities for assignments.

This revised edition contains the same proven, effective case studies as in the first edition while incorporating minor updating throughout to reflect changes in technology and society since its original publication.

About this title

About the Author:

Contributors Pam Bechtel, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Christine Bell, Riverside Elementary School, Dublin, OH John Blaine, Central Hills Elementary School, Powell, OH Luz Cruz, SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport, NY Nell Faucette, University of South Florida, St. Pete Beach, FL Roberta E. Faust, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Kimerly R.Gall, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI Samuel Hodge, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Helene Hughes, Adams Middle School, Tampa, FL Gayle E. Hutchinson, California State University-Chico, Chico, CA Noriyuki Ito, Hokkaido Univ. of Education, JAPAN Carol Jones, McVay Elementary School, Westerville, OH David Kahan, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM Gary D. Kinchin, Illinois State University, Normal, IL Mensah Kutame, Illinois State University, Normal, IL Kathy LaMaster, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Monica Lounsbery, Utah State University, Logan, UT Susan K. Lynn, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Claudia McKnight, Rosedale Elementary School, Deadwood, OR Deborah McMillan-Ito, Tsurui Junior High School, JAPAN Bobby Moore, Jonathan Alder High School, Plain City, OH Lori Nevin, Chiles High School, Tallahassee, FL Marian Nielsen, Mt. Logan Middle School, Logan, UT Peg Nugent, National-Louis University, St. Pete Beach, FL Reggie Oliver, Eastland Academy, Columbus, OH Mary O'Sullivan, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Lynn Schincariol, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH M. B. Seasons, Harrison High School, Columbus, OH Tom Sharpe, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Sheba Stevens, Mt. Logan Middle School. Logan, UT Albert Stohrer, Centennial High School, Columbus, OH Sandra A. Stroot, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Ann-Catherine Sullivan, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Sharon A. Varni, Indian Orchard Elementary School, Springfield, MA Kristie L. Walsdorf, Valdosta State University, Tallahassee, FL Emyr W. Williams, CSU-Long Beach, Huntington Beach, CA Tracey Wright Shaun M. Wuthrich, Springwood Elementary School, Havana, FL

Review:

If you have long looked for a way to bring the gymnasium into the classroom for critical issue discussions, this is a textbook for you. One of the difficult aspects of teacher training is trying to place students in a setting where relevant issues come alive and seem real. Case studies have been used in the past, but rarely have offered the requisite depth and feeling to make them realistic. Stroot and her collaborators have assembled a wide variety of case studies that are well written and carefully crafted. These studies focus carefully on problems that have long been "hotspots" in our profession. For example, topics such as role conflict, discipline, inclusion, teacher resisting change, and marginalization of physical education have long troubled many teachers regardless of their experience. Each of the 16 case studies has been written by a different set of authors who are able to successfully paint scenarios that come alive.

As I read these case studies, I was somewhat surprised at how easily I became immersed in them and even felt strong emotion because they seemed so authentic. The cases made me become part of the problem or issue. Soon I found myself thinking of ways to solve these problems. The studies increased my insight and awareness into some subtle and some not-so-subtle issues.

One of the strengths of this text is that each case study is followed by questions that encourage introspection and self-analysis. After reading a case study, students can take the time to think independently as they answer critical issue questions. Later, they can come together and share strategies, ideas, philosophies, and feelings.

If you want a text that will encourage your students to think and reflect, I recommend this one. Prepare for some quality reflection!"

-- Robert P. Pangrazi, Arizona State University

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1890871303
• ISBN 13: 9781890871307
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160