Unlike some other teacher education programs, UND’s program features a great deal of teaching field experiences prior to student teaching.  These experiences are designed as a progression—from simple teaching situations to more complex ones—so students can gradually and successfully build their teaching skills.  The experiences are also quite intense—each one is recorded, analyzed, and assessed by an instructor and by the students themselves.  Although the nature of these situations is somewhat different from “real” teaching, the demands of these field experiences are designed with a purpose.  They are specifically intended to draw out high effort and deep thinking about teaching, which then pays off in better, smarter teaching when these students move into the more realistic situations that they face in student teaching and in their first teaching jobs.

   To give a better picture of what all the UND students have experienced, here is an overview of the courses in which the students do their teaching field experiences.

   The heart of the program is a series of 4 teaching methods courses in physical education and coaching.  The courses are arranged so that they must be taken in sequence.  Together, they are aimed at providing a professional preparation that readies students for teaching excellence in physical education as well as for leadership roles in school-wide planning and program development.

   The series is: 1)Introduction to Teaching Physical Education & Sport (323), 2)Strategies for Teaching Physical Education in Elementary School (406), 3)Methods & Materials for Teaching Physical Education in Secondary Schools (400), 4)Senior Teaching Seminar & Student Teaching (487).

323/323L, every fall.  Emphasis on how to plan single lessons, teach the “perfect” progression, and assess student learning.   Teaching assignments feature working with small groups (“microteaching” 4-6 students), basic sport skills (technical aspects), strategies (tactical aspects), and fitness and movement concepts.

406/406L, every spring.  Emphasis on elementary school PE: building a strong program (curriculum), understanding children & their needs regarding physical activity, and developing teaching skills.  Teaching assignments are all done at St. Mary’s Catholic School with intact classes (10-20 students); students teach all grade levels in a variety of skill themes, and they have lots of opportunities to practice both class management skills (“discipline techniques”) and content development skills (teach the topic).

400/400L, every fall.  Emphasis on secondary school—both middle and high school.  Course work includes building a strong program that is integral to the school (curriculum), understanding adolescent students & their needs, interests, abilities with respect to physical activity, and continued development of teaching skills.  Teaching assignments feature full size classes (20-30 students), units of instruction, and working with a wide range of student skill levels and interests.  Special emphasis on two current curriculum models: Sport Education, and fitness/wellness education.