Learner agency in physical education

In January 2018, the elementary teachers in our district's two PYP schools set out to explore the enhanced PYP content that make up the document "PYP: From principles into practice." Many thanks to PE teacher and guest blogger, Jen Friedges, for authoring this post on learner agency.



What I learned from this project is that I already do a lot of this that I don’t give myself credit for but it was a good reminder to make sure that I can continue to do this.

• Have a respectful welcoming culture.
• Kids know it is okay to fail, better to try and fail then never try at all!
• I establish routines and all classes K – 5 know and can demonstrate them whether I am present or not.
• I do let students make some of the decisions but need to get more comfortable with going farther with this.
• Continue to let them know expectations and why we are doing what we are doing.
• I also learned I am not very creative or patient and that I should’ve done a presentation instead of a mind map.

How I plan on adding more agency into Physical Education.

• Empower students to select environment they learn in as P.E. is performance based by letting students decide in some sport related units if they want to be at the recreational level or competitive and tailor their experience to what fits them best.
• Consider make some changes to the units that are taught that encompass state standards as well as students interests.
• Be mindful of students comfort level when “performing” in Phy. Ed. particularly in sports (volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer and football) as well as the dance unit which is scary for most including myself as it is WAY out of my comfort zone.

Resources:

• Will Vreugdenhill, International School of Brussels, Belgium. July 2018. “Student Agency in Middle School Health and Physical Education.”
• Learner Agency, PYP From Principles into Practice