Graduate assistant Kristi Bowen is taking a new approach to teaching students about physical education.
The secondary block students in the CPASS physical education teacher education program competed in a dance competition on Thursday, March 21 in the Coliseum. Student-created “fitness” and ballroom dances were performed such as the waltz, foxtrot, salsa, cha cha, and swing dance.
The course is designed for pre-service physical education teachers. Bowen began teaching this course in the fall, and re-conceptualized it to fit the sport-education model.
Since the model suggests a culminating activity, she decided that a dance competition would best demonstrate all aspects of the course. The competition involved one cohort of students (17 this semester), and the results factor into the students’ final grades.
The students learned fitness and ballroom dances throughout the semester. They performed five different kinds of ballroom dances for the audience, as well as their team fitness dances that they created on their own. The requirements for the fitness dances included three previously learned fitness dance moves, enthusiasm, choreography, and entertainment.
“All of the students did an exceptional job,” said Bowen.
To view the dance competition, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/KNBowen1.