Getting to Know Your Students

Abstract

Your class walks out to the field for the first day of a softball unit. A few students sprint ahead with their gloves, eager to play the game. Others talk among themselves and slowly make their way to the field. When it is time for game play, some students rush out to play shortstop, first base, and pitch, while others try to hide in the outfield, particularly to the right. On offense, these same students try to hit in the bottom of the batting order or get another student to bat for them. Based on your observations, do you perceive these students as not interested in physical education, disengaged, or resistant to your instruction? Have you ever asked yourself why these students want to play defensive positions where the ball is least likely to be hit to them, or do not want to come to bat? Getting to know students and understanding their background and experi­ ences are primary goals of effective teachers. But how can physical educators accomplish this? This article discusses how teachers can get to know their students by incorpo­ rating various formative assessment methods within their instruction to foster self-confidence and a positive self-image, while enhancing students' valuation and enjoyment of physical activity.