Cooperative Learning in Physical Education and Physical Activity

There is a need in physical education for new, research-informed, practical ways of engaging children and young people in lifelong physical activity. This book introduces Cooperative Learning, a pedagogical approach to engaging students, from the practitioner's perspective. Written by authors with over 40 years' experience as teachers and researchers, the book helps teachers and trainee teachers to master research-informed strategies for teaching physical education across elementary, middle and high school settings. Using clear language, and full of real-life examples, unit and lesson plans, activities and tasks, this is essential reading for all students and professionals.

Part One: Background and Research on Cooperative Learning 1. Key Aspects of Cooperative Learning as a Pedagogical Practice 2. Researched Benefits of Cooperative Learning as a Pedagogical Practice 3. Cooperative Learning Structures in Physical Education and Physical Activity Settings 4. The Role of the Teacher or Coach Creating a Positive Cooperative Learning Environment Part Two: Physical Education at the Elementary Level 5. How to Implement Cooperative Learning in Physical Education at the Elementary Level 6. Reciprocal Teaching and Peer Teaching Strategies 7. How Cooperative Learning is Related to the Different Contexts for Learning: Working with persons with disabilities at the elementary level Part Three: Physical Education at Middle and High School Level and in the Community 8. How to Implement Cooperative Learning in Physical Education at Middle and High School Level 9. The Jigsaw Classrooms: Putting the pieces of Cooperative Learning together 10. Learning Teams, Team Game Tournaments and other Classroom Structures: Promoting cooperation 11. How Cooperative Learning is Related to the Different Contexts for Learning: Working with persons with disabilities at the middle and secondary level 12. Cooperative Learning and Community Coaching: A holistic notion of competition Part Four: Challenges for the Implementation of Cooperative Learning in Physical Education and Physical Activity Settings 13. How to Assess in Cooperative Learning in Physical Education and Physical Activity Settings 14. Beyond the Book: A guide to developing and maintaining a Cooperative Learning pedagogy in physical education and physical activity settings.