Presented and produced by Seán Delaney.

On this week's podcast I am joined by Professor Stefan Ward from Central Washington University who is currently a Fulbright Scholar in Dublin City University Institute of Education. Among the topics we discuss are:

His interest in positive youth development
How he became involved in Project Fun Direction and why it is important for young girls
What is physical literacy and how is it developed?
Physical education in schools in the United States
Why games such as Dodge Ball and relay races need to be removed from PE class
Specialist physical educators in the United States
The Irish physical education curriculum
What an effective PE lesson looks like (Moderate to vigorous activity; differentiated instruction; choice; reflection time)
Assessment in PE (physical, cognitive, affective)
Teaching physical education with minimal equipment (including planning for activities that require minimal equipment such as hiking, soccer).
Skill themes in primary and post-primary PE classes
Reducing risk of physical injury in PE class
Modifying games
Teaching physical education in all weathers or with limited facilities
Generic and sport-specific strategies for differentiating a physical education lesson, such as tennis: cooperative practice, modify game to make goal easier, award points for attempts, use different equipment – e.g. foam ball, different racquet, give choices for students to be successful at different levels.
Duties associated with his university role in the United States
Shape America
Positive Youth Development – self-determination theory (relatedness, competence and autonomy)
Bringing Student PE teachers to volunteer in sports camps abroad in Guam and in Ireland
Selecting candidates for a physical education teaching programme
Impactful teacher: Tom Martinek
Missy Parker
Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility
Book: Youth Development and Physical Activity

Inside Education 414, Stefan Ward on Physical Education & Positive Youth Development (29-3-21)