Cameron Rivest

Summary Reflection Paper

East Longmeadow High School
Mr. Difranco
PHED 239
High School Module
Dr Mangano
March 1, 2017

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I feel I have grown a lot as a teacher throughout this module. In my opinion, I have not

only grown from the lessons I have taught, but also from what I learned in lecture. I

learned more things in lecture than I couldve possibly imagined. Then, being able to

apply those ideas and styles of teaching into my lesson worked wonders. Reflecting

back, it was incredible to see the progress I made as a teacher, as well as the students

as individuals and as a class.

One important aspect of teaching Physical Education to high school students is the

Why factor. A lot of high school students are at that age where they dont want to be

bothered by anything unless they absolutely need to do it. Telling the students the

physical, social, emotional, and health benefits to the activity will motivate them to

participate and give their best effort. Another factor of teaching high school students is

to build a good working relationship with the students. You want to gain that mutual

respect with the students, otherwise they arent going to listen, or take anything you say

seriously. You want to be there as someone they can always come and talk to about

any situation they have, but you also want to be able to lay down the law and firm with

them when necessary. You dont want to be 2-faced with the students, but it is just

finding that balance that the students and you feel comfortable with each other. The 3rd

and final important aspect of teaching high school students is creating a safe, positive

classroom environment. Not all your students are going to be at the same level when it

comes to size, health, or physicality. You need to be able to assess that and shape your

lessons and classroom, so all your students can be successful and feel comfortable

participating in all the activities.

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The story I am about to tell about my time about at East Longmeadow High School

actually goes right along with the example that Dr. Mangano gave us on the paper for

this assignment. This story identifies in the area of National Standard 5 that states,

The physically literate individual recognizes the VALUE of physical activity for HEALTH,

ENJOYMENT, CHALLENGE, SELF-EXPRESSION, and/or SOCIAL INTERACTION.

While in Mr. Difrancos class, there was a student named Chris, and Mr. Losee and I

both recognized the certain enthusiasm he had toward the class during our observation

period at East Longmeadow. When we went and observed all the students were doing

was playing a game of knockout with two basketballs, but I realized then that Chris was

going to be the student that I could use as an example of motivation for the rest of the

students in the class. Now, Chris wasnt the best athlete in the class and he even came

up and told me that the first lesson i taught, but he gave his all and respected everyone

in the class equally. During my 3rd lesson of volleyball, the students were playing 4v4

small games of volleyball. Chris and his team were struggling to put together points.

They were just out of sync with no team chemistry. So I pulled Chris aside and told him

that he was the leader of his team and he needed to take charge and make everyone

feel comfortable with each other. Chris started having everyones back during the

game. If someone missed a hit wide he was right there to tell them it was ok and that

they would get it the next time. If someone hit a serve into the net he would go up to

them and tell them that it wasnt a big deal and to keep their head in the game because

the team needed them. That was the first game when I pulled Chris aside and his team

rallied back, but fell by two points. There were 3 other matches that Chris team played

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that day and through his constant hard work and team leadership his team surprised

everyone including Mr. Difranco and won the next three games by 5 or more points. I

was so proud of everyone in the class that day for trying their best, but I was extremely

proud of Chris for his actions. He is the prototypical student you would want to have in

your class. The next class, during my badminton lesson, without me even needing to

tell him, he took charge and helped him and his partner stay motivated throughout the

doubles tournament we had and moved all the way up to Court 2, one away from going

to the finals.

Chris was a great student and found enjoyment in the class by using self-expression, as

well as social interaction to motivate his peers and himself. He often challenged himself

throughout my four lessons with and without me having to give him motivational

objectives. He always stayed on task and was always engaged.