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Week 2 Assignment - Literature Review

Cody Azevedo

National University

Capstone TED 690

Professor Daniel Weintraub

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Abstract

This purpose of this literature review is to analyze two peer-reviewed journals that are

relevant to Domain F: Developing As A Professional Educator. These two peer reviewed

journals discuss the importance of professional development in physical education.

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I consider myself to be a devoted lifelong learner and my belief is that it is important for

individuals to continuously reflect as well as analyze on their performance. Class assessments

help teachers identify areas where certain students, and the entire class may continue to have

challenges. This type of reflecting is essential to understanding precisely what students know

and and what may need to be retaught. Basically, assessments are used for future class

instruction and to track how students are progressing towards academic learning goals. With that

being said, educators themselves need time to reflect in order to recognize areas of strength as

well as areas that may need improve on. Continuous reflection upon oneself and collaborating

with other educators will help me to learn, grow, and utilize best teaching practices so I can be

better prepared to support the diverse student learning needs. Reflection will also help me to

continue developing and improving my teaching skills on my journey to becoming a highly

skilled/qualified education professional.

In order to develop and improve my teaching skills, it’s imperative that I continue to seek

out professional development opportunities. “With the influx of so much information available to

them, it is often difficult to determine what they can and should read, study, review, attend, or

participate in for continued professional growth. Participating in webinars, blogs, and the

recently adopted SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators member forum are

still other ways to grow as a professional.” (Heidorn, 2009). SHAPE America is one of the most

recognized organizations for physical education teachers and I plan to become a member of the

organization.

Here are some of the main concepts that I learned from reading the article, Professional

Development in Physical Education:

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 Students who spend more time in good practice learn more.

 Practice should be appropriate to the goal of learning and the individual student.

 Students who practice at a reasonably high success level learn more.

 Students who practice at a higher level of processing learn more.

 Effective teachers create an environment for learning.

 Effective teachers are good communicators.

 Effective teachers provide feedback.

 Good content development can increase learning.

 Teachers need to try to understand student perceptions of what they ask students

to do.

 Teachers provide direct instruction.

I am currently student teaching physical education at a middle school and that is the grade level I

plan teach throughout my career. The second article I reviewed called, The Effect of Professional

Development on Physical Education Instruction in Middle Schools, was very insightful. There

were thirty middle school P.E. teachers in the south west part of the U.S. that participated in a

research study of professional development opportunities as well as deficiencies that are in a

subject area that is not driven by high-stakes testing. “If professional development focuses on

pedagogy and instructional strategies designed to improve student achievement and academic

growth (i.e., standardized test scores), how are content areas that are not subjected to high-stakes

testing affected?” (Hynes, J.W., Edington, W.D., Sear, J.V. 2014). Even though physical

education is not subjected to high-stakes testing, there is always room for improvement. For

instance, the old-school way of teaching P.E. revolved heavily around teaching sports. Today,
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more students are less inclined to want to play sports, so implementing individual activities like

crossfit and yoga have allowed students to stay engaged and participate at their own pace.
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References

Heidorn, B. (2015). Professional Development in Physical Education. Journal of Physical

Education, Recreation & Dance, 86(1), pp.3-5

Hynes, J.W., Edington, W.D., Sear, J.V. (2014). The Effect of Professional Development on

Physical Education Instruction in Middle Schools, 45 Issue 5, p25-31. 7p