When it comes to excellence beyond the classroom, West Virginia University is no stranger. A group of students and faculty members from the CPASS physical education and kinesiology program attended the annual West Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference, Oct. 18.
Undergraduate student Austin Adams discussed “Linking Theory to Practice: Scaffolding in Physical Education.” Adams demonstrated the zone of proximal development by implementing scaffolding in a game used as an active learning strategy. The presentation was followed by a group discussion to evaluate how this theory could be used in physical education.
Three undergraduate students, Danny Arndt, Shayla Hinterer and Jon Ratliff, worked closely with graduate student Maggie Roberts to demonstrate the practice of using sport education to teach fitness. They utilized an instructional/curricular model as a creative way to teach fitness. This student-centered model is shown to transform the delivery of fitness education.
CPASS faculty members received prestigious awards, recognizing distinguished leaders in their respective fields while exemplifying health and physical education professionals.
Sean Bulger, associate dean for graduate and online education and professor, received the Dana Brooks Award, given to a candidate who has demonstrated excellence while serving as a mentor to students and other professionals. James Wyant, assistant professor, received the Young Scholar Award, for his persistence in service, commitment and scholarly activity. Ryan Wamsley, PETE alumnus, earned the Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year for his dedication and passion toward his students.
The works and diligence of these professionals did not go unnoticed. “The 2019 WVAAPHERD conference was inspiring this year, as it reaffirmed for me how amazing the CPASS community is. It was impressive to see Drs. Sean Bulger and James Wyant, and Ryan Wamsley all win important awards,” Jeremy Yeats, teaching assistant professor and program coordinator for physical education and kinesiology, said.
“I was also proud of the students who presented, as they are clearly dedicated to their continued professional development. We had three students who were presenting for their second consecutive year, and for two students it was their first presentation at a WVAAPHERD conference,” he added.
Members of WVAAPHERD collaborate to make West Virginia a healthy place to work, live and play by working together to provide opportunities for professional growth and development.