Physical Education Teachers

9. Improving teacher competences for professional development

Every PE teacher’s initial education at faculties of sport and PE can be considered as an introduction to the knowledge and skills acquired and developed throughout the whole professional carrier. The continuous professional development is connected with achievement of standards and improvement of school curricula through introducing latest and more efficient methods, tools and ideas. Acquisition of personal qualities is also essential for successful PE teachers and coaches who need to be equipped with motivational and good communication skills as well as the ability to analyse students’ performance and give constructive advice.
Nowadays teachers have possibilities to complete their education not only at in-school training forms (training courses, post-graduate studies) but also using e-learning. Modern technology gives the access to the on-line resources and contacts channels which allow to learn informally: meet other enthusiastic people, exchange experiences, benefit from educational projects, learn about best practices, etc.
This step of the toolkit focuses on providing teachers with inspiration for enriching their educational practice by introducing and promoting minority sports, taking into account teachers’ professional development.
It is profitable to make use of the other steps and ideas of this toolkit as an inspiration for teachers’ professional development. The webpages attached below will help to receive the useful information, for example: how to raise students’ motivation in sport, how to get pupils more active in and after school, how to avoid burnout, how to provide first aid, what are the PE assessment strategies.

Learning Objective

This topic aims at providing PE teachers with inspiration for professional development, taking into account many aspects of education, which may result in taking up new initiatives including introduction and utilization of minority sports.

Online Resources

• Physical Education Assessment Ideas“PE Central, What works in Physical Education” is a web site that provides information about appropriate physical education practices and programs. Tips, ideas, examples, articles. On this subpage some assessment ideas are available.
• How to get kids active in and after school?The user of the web page “Sport & Development” can browse the latest manuals, tools, guidelines and resources. It also serves as a communication tool.
• 21 Simple Ideas To Improve Student MotivationThe webpage provides some valuable tips for teachers aiming at raising students’ motivation
• Sports: What motivate athletes? How can athletes maximize their motivation?An article useful for PE teachers about the foundation all athletic effort and accomplishment
• Practical strategies to prevent teacher stress and burnout.The webpage provides information and resources on many interesting issues concerning teacher work, among them: How to avoid burnout?
• First aid training videoThe film gives the instructions on how to provide the first aid which skill is important for a PE teachers and trainers.
• The Top 10 Sports Psychology Articles of 2014There are top articles about sport psychology providing interesting information e.g. about motivation, goal-setting, mental toughness, balance, and a phenomena of being addicted to exercise.