| Author |
Message |
Patrick Milligan
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 11:29 am: |       |
There are those who believe that integrating physical education is based on the previse that the class should be like the real world, especially the workplace. The fact is that PE is not about "jobs," but about educating our individual bodies to move more effectively and enjoyably. The real world of physical movement (a.k.a.-sports, athletics, exercise physiology, medicine, psychology) realizes that men and women are indeed different physically. Women basketball leagues use a smaller ball, men's volleyball leagues use a higher net, etc. How men socialize with each other is different from how women socialize with each other, and how each gender socializes with the other is different still.
This is not to say that everything should be separated--quite the contrary. In many ways and in many areas we should indeed work together. But, to assume that we are all alike in every way, and, therefore, should compete in physical contests together is ludicrous. Imagine Pamela Sue Anderson going up against, well, anyone in football or basketball. Physically, she would
get crushed, even if she knew the techniques to employ.
Bring children together in every other area, including most recreational activities, but sports is one facet of physical education, and most of them require different approaches based on gender differences, not on those areas where we are alike. Besides, little boys and little girls have developmental needs that can only be met by socializing with others of the same gender. They, also, have socialization needs that can be met only by integrating their activities.
Never insult someone by saying that if they are teaching "physical education," then both genders should be together, like the "real world," and that if competition is involved, that what they are doing is not physical education. Perhaps, some are confusing physical education for organized recess, or simply "play" education.
There are more philosophies than one, so be professional and accept the variety in our profession.
Patrick Milligan
BYU
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Josh Kent State University Student
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 11:30 am: | |
Physical Education is what I looked forward to everyday when I was in High School. I loved my teacher, the games he played ,and the way the class was set up. The class was Monday through Friday for fifty minutes. The best part about the class was ,that it was separated between the males and the females. Monday through Thursday was males only and Friday we had co-ed day integrating both the males and females. I think men and women are different physically ,and the sports world recognizes it also. I do not have any problem having co-ed physical education class throughout eighth grade. I think once you reach high school too many issues come into play with males and females in class at the same time. The students begin to go through that stage ,when they start to like the opposite sex. The females may not play as hard if the males are in the class. The males may not play hard if the females are in the class. It is not fair to both genders having the classes combined everyday. One day of co-ed physical education worked out great at my high school. The only other way to fix this problem is to have physical education class set up for males and females and another for their gender only. |
Lisa Moy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 6:18 am: | |
I am currently researching gender issues within P.E for my dissertation. I work in K.S 2 and currently teach lessons incorporating both genders. I agree that females and males should be taught seperately at a secondary age, however do you think that this should apply for children aged 7 to 11? My real interest and area for investigation is children's perceptions of gender appropriate sport.
By secondary school i certainly had a clear idea of what sport the girls or boys would partake in. But when do you think this first starts and do we as educators do anything to challenge these views?
Surely this then poses huge limitations on children and young adults. Why can't a girl comfortably join in with the boys playing football, or boys have a game of netball?
Please tell me what you think about children's perceptions of gender appropriate sport and the limitations this creates in the sports they then partake in. |
Michelle Homan (Michelleh)
Junior Member
Username: Michelleh
Post Number: 8
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 4:37 pm: | |
While it is true that the majority of girls prefer certain sports and the majority of boys prefer certain sports, it is still very unfair to segregate based specifically on gender. Being an athletic girl, I never fit in with the traditional 'girls'. I prefered, and excelled at 'boys' sports and there were others like me. Not all boys are football playing jocks and they should not be forced to be just because society says football is a boys sport. When I was in high school (1994-98), I was very comfortable with the 'block' format. Block 1 was sports like football, basketball, hockey,...'boys' sports. Block 2 was vigorous activity, but no contact as in volleyball, tennis. Block 3 was sports like archery. I have had experience in high school setting recently and they still employ this principle. Blocks are still mixed as girls become more and more serious about sports.
As for ages 7-11, I think that is the most critical age for girls to develop the confidence they need to participate in the so call 'boy' sports. One of my goals as a physical educator is to empower young girls with confidence to become athletes. In other words, I love to see girls beat boys at 'their sports' and encourage it as much as possible. It is something a female athlete will remember her entire life. |
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