Effective Teaching Methods in Physical Education

Methodology in Physical Education

Methodology refers to the way in which we will implement instruction to achieve specific goals. The methods must be adapted to the age, interests, and abilities of students.

Synthetic or Global Method

We teach the exercises in full. This method is suitable for very easy exercises that involve the entire movement, typically for children aged 6-7 years.

Advantages:

• The whole body is involved, making it easily understood.
• The child acts more freely.
• In sports, it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the movements.
• The child is less bored.

Disadvantages:

• Techniques are not readily available.
• Correcting defects can be difficult later on.

Analytical or By-Parts Method

The exercise is performed in parts. This method is suitable for children aged 8 years and older.

Advantages:

• Allows for rapid learning of techniques.
• Helps prevent defects.

Disadvantages:

• Less motivation.
• Lack of freedom and personal creation.

Mixed Method

A combination of analytical and synthetic methods. It incorporates exercises from each method. Suitable for children over 12 years old.

Advantages:

• Increased expression of the body, as each individual has their particular methods.
• More motivated, since the exercises are repeated but on a global basis.
• Easy to correct and improve technique.

Direct Teaching Method

This is the most traditional method, where the teacher takes the lead. It consists of four steps:

1. Explanation: Explanation of what will be done.
2. Preparation: "Prepared" command.
3. Execution: Execution of the task.
4. Correction: Mistakes are pointed out for correction.

Suitable for very young or very old individuals.

Advantages:

• Primarily affects learning and knowledge.

Disadvantages:

• The teacher must prepare well for class.
• Student participation is required.
• Lack of freedom of movement.
• Low motivation and creativity.
• Limited body language.
• The teacher may be seen as the sole protagonist.

Reciprocal Teaching Method

The student learns and teaches simultaneously, allowing for mutual correction. Suitable for children 12 years and older, as it requires prior knowledge.

Advantages:

• Highly motivational.
• Total group participation.
• Student leadership.
• Faster and more effective learning due to the desire to excel.

Disadvantages:

• Requires prior knowledge from the children to be effective.

Problem-Solving Method

Used with young children over 4 years old. The teacher sets objectives and poses problems for the children to solve.

Advantages:

• An active method that encourages participation.

Disadvantages:

• The teacher must have a thorough knowledge of the children, as they may react in different ways.

Task Allocation or Circuit Method

Used for older children. It can be implemented in two forms: individual or group. In the individual circuit, students perform different exercises. In the group circuit, subgroups are placed in circles and work on different exercises.

Advantages:

• Very encouraging.
• Total student participation.
• Faster and better learning.
• Promotes self-improvement.

Disadvantages:

• Requires significant preparation of the circuit.

Age-Appropriate Methods

• Children 3-6 years: Synthetic method or problem-solving.
• Children 6-12 years: All methods.
• Children 12+ years: Primarily direct teaching and circuits.