TGfU Pet-Agogy: Old Dogs, New Tricks and Puppy School

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Bibliographic Details
Title: TGfU Pet-Agogy: Old Dogs, New Tricks and Puppy School
Language: English
Authors: Butler, Joy I.
Source: Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. Nov 2005 10(3):225-240.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2005
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Descriptors: Constructivism (Learning), Majors (Students), Physical Education, Action Research, Educational Philosophy, Teaching Methods, Physical Education Teachers, Athletics, Classroom Techniques, Conventional Instruction, Mentors, Career Development, Teaching Experience, Developmental Stages, Educational Research, Teacher Competencies, Behaviorism, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.1080/17408980500340752
ISSN: 1740-8989
Abstract: How do we encourage teachers to adopt Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) so that it becomes part of mainstream practice in physical education and community-based sports programmes worldwide? Why do some teachers adopt a TGfU instructional model and others stick to a technique-based approach? What happens to PETE students when they attempt to take innovative ideas out into the field? Can "old dogs" learn new tricks? Can "puppies" do things differently from their mentors out in the school system? Ryan and Cooper delineated five stages typical of the teaching career: (1) fantasy; (2) euphoria; (3) survival; (4) apprenticeship; and (5) rediscovering the dream. This article explores the journeys of both beginning and experienced teachers using these stages and suggests some ways in which TGfU can become part of their exploration. Moving from the comfort zone into unfamiliar areas can be a challenge, but paradoxically, the very discomfort caused by disconnect between avowed principle and actual practice, educational philosophy and teaching methodology, can be a wonderful incentive. The essential ingredient for change is a core belief in innovation rather than previous practice or experience. This taps into the passion and idealism that drove us to join the profession in the first place, to want to become the best that we can be as educators, and dare to hope for the same for our students. Teacher responses to TGfU have great implications for curriculum design and suggest the need for an integrated approach, which provides structured, careful support for teachers through the process of change. This article will suggest ways to promote and integrate TGfU into the repertoire of experienced teachers, and to give students the opportunity to explore the approach. These include the establishment of a worldwide TGfU task force, an emphasis on action research and student exposure to constructivist learning theory through majors' clubs. (Contains 2 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 33
Entry Date: 2008
Accession Number: EJ819850
Database: ERIC
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