Philosophy of Teaching 

As an elementary physical education teacher, my aim is to motivate students to begin a life long journey with health and fitness.  This can only be achieved if the students are truly inspired and find their own interests within health and fitness so that they can take ownership for their own learning and continue their motivation outside of the classroom.

I build my pedagogy through three base principles; Inquiry, Exploration and Environment, which are explained below. These principles never let me forget that learning for everyone is ever changing and so should teaching.  Through these, I reflect and search for new and innovative ways to deliver my lessons as well as further my own professional skills through collaboration, technology integration, and planning.

Inquiry
Inquiry is one of the most efficient and straightforward ways for students to learn about their abilities. As they figure out how to complete any specific tasks through inquiry, students will develop a sense of self-regulation and self-motivation. Through the process of trying and failing, students will have the opportunity to make their own choices, learn from their mistakes, and see in which ways they can be independent and successful. This type of learning experience will, in time, build up students’ personal and academic confidence, as they see and reflect on their own improvements.
 

Exploration
Exploration of self will help students gain a better understanding of who they are and what they are capable of achieving. Through this type of open-ended experience, not only will students face their strengths and weaknesses, or areas in need of improvement, but they will also be face to face with their feelings and emotions brought up by these failures and successes. Allowing students to express those feelings and learn to handle them independently or with support, will further lead them towards becoming healthy and balanced individuals.
This structured freedom will give student space to explore choices and decisions that need to be made, and allow them to chose their own learning path, making it all the more worthwhile and authentic.

Environment
The environment in which students are is key to the learning and teaching that is taking place. Having an environment in which students feel comfortable, safe, and happy, is a big educational priority, as the students' ease and comfort will determine their willingness to participate, and their openness to learning. In addition, the classroom/gym environment can be thought of as the pillar of learning through inquiry and exploration. In order to properly offer opportunities for genuine inquiry and exploration, the environment needs to be conducive to the type of learning that will be taking place and needs to provoke students into wanting to learn.