12 characteristics of a quality physical education experience

12 characteristics of a quality physical education experience

Children who are physically active are more focused, better prepared to learn, and more emotionally and socially resilient. A successful physical education experience reverberates through his or her other classes, and contributes to a healthy school environment.

Here’s what quality PE experiences share:

  1. The teacher is qualified, enthusiastic, prepared.
  2. Lessons are well-planned, incorporate a wide range of activities, and meet provincial curriculum learning outcomes.
  3. The teacher uses a variety of assessment and evaluation strategies.
  4. There is an emphasis on student learning, personal success, fair play, and personal health.
  5. Activities are appropriate to the age and stage of development for each student.
  6. All students look forward to physical education class.
  7. Provincial safety guidelines are followed.
  8. The school is fulfilling the minimum time mandated by your province for physical education.
  9. There are opportunities to be physically active beyond the physical education time (intramurals, extracurriculars, and school wide initiatives such as daily physical activity).
  10. There are opportunities for student leadership development.
  11. The school has the facilities, equipment and teaching support to provide a quality program.
  12. Recognition through PHE Canada’s Quality Daily Physical Education Award Program.

Guest post by Physical and Health Education Canada

PHE Canada is the national voice for physical and health education. We work with educators and on-the-ground professionals to develop the resources, understanding, and networks to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead active, healthy lives, now and in their future.

Connect with PHE Canada on Facebook or Twitter.

5 responses to “12 characteristics of a quality physical education experience

  1. I was never much of a fan PE when I was growing up but I definitely see its value. I am sure my son will be good at sports and will have a nice experience.

    As an adult I have found I enjoy individual activity is how I enjoy getting my activity. I am an avid weight lifter. :)

    I don’t remember a lot of introvert-friendly activity in PE.

    1. Interesting your comment about introvert -friendly activity in PE. Failing publicly is a big fear for the quieter students, something Susan Cain addresses in “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.”

      In a gym class, the teacher can assign roles for the quieter students, e.g. monitoring or recording performance, or helping to set up the equipment. And encouraging participation in small groups is also helpful.

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