Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Learning Map
Zach Zimmer
National University
Learning Map 2
Abstract
The author of this paper participated in a four hour observation as well as conducted an
interview with a common core PE teacher, Coach Wall. The primary focus of the interview and
assignment was the aspects of planning that happens in Physical Education. The interview
consisted of asking Coach Wall what are the first steps he takes when planning, some of the key
considerations he makes when planning, how to plan with certain learners accommodations in
mind, planning with differentiation in mind, and how to plan fair assessments. The chart consists
of planning for multiple means of representation, action & expression, and engagement with
varying levels of ELL students in mind. Within the chart the author plans for assessment,
instruction, and management with various California State Standards are in mind.
Learning Map 3
Interview
a. Coach Wall explained that the first step that goes into planning for a unit in the
cover. Usually the planning occurs in PLC’s amongst the entire PE department.
The teachers will all get together and put together a year or semester long
schedule of the order and length of each unit. This is always the first step in
planning due to the fact that we have anywhere from eight to nine PE classes each
period that rotate with each other between fitness and spending time on the actual
unit.
2. What are some key considerations you use at the beginning and during your planning
process?
a. When I asked Coach Wall about the key considerations he takes into account
when planning he had a few answers. One of the first aspects that he takes into
lesson around developing students basketball handling skills a teacher will first
make sure they have enough basketballs readily available. Depending on how
many basketballs are at the PE departments disposal, this will factor into how the
lesson is planned. If every student is not able to have a basketball of their own
Wall may utilize lines or relay races so that every student has the opportunity to
perform the same drill or task. Another key consideration that is made while
planning is if there are any 504s or IEPs for any of the students. If any students
guarantee that they are fully included in the lesson. One of the final
considerations that is taken into account when planning in PE, especially in the
important for PE teachers to make plans to be flexible just in case weather keeps
3. In terms of content area knowledge, how do you decide on the target for a one-day
a. Coach Wall shared some great ideas when it comes to how he decides the target
for a one-day lesson, two-day lesson, and a unit. For a one-day lesson he
game/sport, and basic skills. Often times a one-day lesson will focus on teaching
or demonstrating to students key rules that will help them understand the flow of a
sport or game and the basic skills they will need to flourish in this particular sport
demonstrate/practice the skills that are being taught in the particular sport or
activity. This could be proper grip or stroke in golf, practicing proper form for a
free throw, etc. Finally, the target for a unit would be meeting the overall
standard for that particular unit. For example, an aquatics unit’s target would be
Standard 1.2).
4. In terms of your learners, what are some key things you always keep in mind when
planning?
Learning Map 5
a. When it comes to learners, Coach Wall explained the first thing he looks for is if
the student has a IEP or 504 plan. It is important to plan your units and lessons
with any students who need accommodations in mind. The second aspect that he
told me he plans around when it comes to his learners is any self-pace students.
Self-pacing is something that is only seen in PE, it refers to students with asthma
for example. A teacher must plan around these students accommodations in PE.
5. Do you plan for differentiation ahead of time and if so, what are you including in this
planning?
a. Coach Wall explained the primary form of differentiation that he plans for ahead
be to have varying sizes of balls when doing a golf unit. This way students who
need accommodations or simply students who are struggling can use a larger
sized ball so they can make contact and slowly work there way down to an actual
golf ball.
6. How about planning for differentiation while you are teaching? How about technology
a. One of the forms of technology that Coach Wall plans for and utilizes is videos.
Oftens for a new unit he will show his class a video. This video is sometimes
educational and teaches technique for a skill they will be learning, or simply a
video of a professional athlete in the sport they are working on. This way it may
not only teach the students something, but watching a professional athlete or
sports team perform will excite the kids and get them motivated to participate.
Learning Map 6
7. In terms of assessment, what are important areas you keep in mind when planning? Do
you prepare your assessments as part of your planning? Do you allow yourself to deviate
a. When it comes to assessments in PE Coach wall said there are two forms he
focuses on, informal and formal assessments. Informal assessments are not
something that is planned for, but simply walking around giving the students help
on something like form. Formal assessments are the second form that are actually
planned for. Often at the end of the unit students will have to perform both a
skills test as well as a written test. The skills test will consist of a vital skill that
the class worked on in the completed unit. A written test will consist of questions
about the history of the sport, some of the cues or skills that are vital to the sport,
rules of the game, and much more. The formal assessments are planned by the
8. Finally, what is the importance, relevance and pertinence of planning for effective
explained at planning for units and lessons is important so you have a plan for the
day/month, but more importantly it frees you up to be flexible. There are always
Chart
Learning Map 7
● CA Standard 2.1- Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least four days
each week.
● CA Standard 1.2- Demonstrate proficient movement skills in aquatic, rhythms/dance, and
individual and dual activities.
● CA Standard 1.9- Analyze and explain which training and conditioning practices have
the greatest impact on skill acquisition and performance in combative,
gymnastic/tumbling, and team activities.
Engagement Representation Action & Expression
Reflection
After completing the interview and chart for the week four learning map, I have learned
the importance of planning in PE. My interview Coach Wall showed me the depth of the
planning that goes on in the PE department. In PE you will need to plan the order of the units
that you will be teaching. You will have to plan the skills and rules that you will need to teach
the students in each individual lesson. You must plan on a schedule if you are having to rotate
facilities with other PE teachers, like Buchanan High School does. A PE teacher must take into
account each of their learners accommodations, whether they have a 504/IEP or are simple a
self-pace student. Planning is required to meet those accommodations to ensure that the student
may participate fully as possible in every lesson. Planning is essential to being a good teacher,
especially in PE. It ensures that students are all included, safe, and in the best environment for
learning. As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”