What If They See Me Miss? Nuances of Teaching in a Movement-Based Environment

Abstract

This article describes aspects of the physical education context that set it apart from other instructional contexts. While physical educators share numerous attributes with other teachers — for example, a love of children and a commitment to their content area — many distinctions exist, as well. The nature of physical education is such that instruction occurs in a physically active environment. This dynamic environment is filled with structures and features that contribute to its uniqueness. Those features are the expectation of movement, the potential for physical injury, the public nature of physical education, the physical environment, the emotional context, large class sizes, and group work/teamwork/role-taking. Unfortunately, often the most powerful memories that people have of physical education are negative ones, such as being chosen last or having to perform in front of others. Decisions made at the district and state level sometimes result in the marginalization of physical educators. This article discusses these aspects of physical education that set it apart from other educational environments.