| MAKING
A DIFFERENCE BY THINKING AND ACTING DIFFERENTLY
 "Thinking
outside the box" is a phrase many physical educators use to
describe someone who finds creative ways to solve problems, integrate
movement with academic concepts, invent new games, modify old games,
or simply make activity more enjoyable for the masses.
Looking at things differently takes practice
Too often, the same sport skills are regurgitated to students year
after year utilizing the same plan book, the same instructional
format and too often bring about the same results - BOREDOM.
During the mid 1990's, when I was serving as the Physical Education
Coordinator for Seattle Public Schools, I met with each of the department
heads for our middle and high school physical education programs.
Many of them were in a rut. While some seemed satisfied scheduling
the same old same old, many of their students were not.
Waiver requests were rising.
Change does not always come quickly
The District was in the process of restructuring its curriculum
frameworks for the various departments. My challenge to each secondary
school was for them to offer at least one new unit that semester.
It was to be something that had not been taught before, and it had
to attract athletes and non-athletes alike.
Document the results
My second goal was providing a deadline, letting them know that
the results would be video taped and that video tape would become
part of a District curriculum package. Some twenty two departments
participated and the completed project was quite impressive.
Schools selected activities such as capoeira (a Brazilian martial
arts/dance) crew (rowing), karate, golf, mountain biking, racquetball,
water polo, water aerobics, in-line skating, snorkeling, first aid,
and folk dance intertwined with rap. Some simply modified traditional
and global sports such as cricket and rugby. The changes went beyond
just the activities. One school renovated part of the girl's locker
room and created an aerobics studio.
After reviewing the 25 minute video, many of the staff determined
that if "that" school could do it so could they. These
small changes multiplied as staff realized that students actually
enjoyed the new activities, and that there were organizations in
the community that could benefit them. Secondary teachers were also
proud to be part of something that they created.
Change keeps our minds fresh. The challenge of creating change is
deeply rooted in one's comfort zone, and how they handle fear or excuses
that it won't be supported by administration, or that students will
rebel against anything different.
All of the activities mentioned were free. All we had to do was
find local resources willing to assist. The Seattle Park Dept. funded
the crew, golf, and tennis. The Seattle Fire Dept. funded the middle
school first aid card program, and numerous dance and fitness professionals
donated their time.
As a profession, we have unlimited potential.
John Goodlad said the most predictable instructional activity in
our high schools is "teacher talk." The most predictable
activity in our elementary schools is "seat work." It's
not the curriculum, it's the way the curriculum is taught. '"No
child left on their behinds" should be our game plan. A genuinely
engaging curriculum is our most effective discipline plan.'
What will your legacy be?
Over the past ten years, two of my best and creative friends passed
away. Both were married to physical educators and all four were
Washington State Teachers of the Year. Chuck McEwan and Gary Adrian
are remembered today for what they did for our profession. Both
were customer friendly educators who loved their jobs, constantly
challenged their students, and most importantly they looked at things
differently and readily passed their successes on to others.
Bud Turner
pelinks4u
guest editorial
Bud Turner is an instructor at Seattle Pacific
University in the School of Physical Education and Exercise Science.
He is a past recipient of AAHPERD's Honor award and City, County
Director of the Year. He is the author of (7) books, and the Coordinator
of the "West's Best" K-12 National Physical Education
Workshop.
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