“Leaders in physical education agree as a result of the nature of the physical educator leadership position, the physical
education teacher naturally become models for their students” (Dean,
Adams, & Comeau 2005). According to Gold (2010), teachers and
coaches were “the” most frequently cited non-family-member as adult role
models, and that physical education teachers who model physically
active lifestyles appeared to have effects on youth similar to those of
their parents. It is important as coaches and physical educators to
portray the characteristics of a healthy individual.
Studies
suggest that an instructor that is perceived as physically fit is more
respected, has more knowledge, and “is” more likely to follow exercise
and dietary suggestions. Maintaining health by meeting the standards
will aid in getting hired as a professional, job attainment, and create
positive attitudes towards the student’s learning environment.
Authorities in the field of physical education have stressed the
importance of modeling an active lifestyle and physical fitness for
professionals in all fields related to physical activity (Gold 2012).
The National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends
that physical education teachers should engage in regular physical
activity at a level sufficient to promote health-related physical
fitness.
If
physical educators are going to proclaim that physical education can
help reduce the obesity epidemic, then physical educators need to take
seriously their duty to be a role model for fitness and, therefore, be
physically fit themselves (Bell, 2008). It is vital to maintain a
healthy appearance, active lifestyle, and healthy habits as physical
educators because they send a powerful message to their students when
they do not portray what they are teaching.
1 Bryant,
L., & Curtner-Smoth, M. (2008). Impact of a Physical Education
Teacher's Disability on Elementary Pupil's Perceptions of Effectiveness
and Learning. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 25, 118-131.
2 Gold, R. (2012). The Qualities of Physical Education Teachers Based Upon Students' Perceptions of Physical Appearance. 39(2), 92-114.
This is a good point. Kids should respect their coach more if he practices what he preaches to the kids. It is confusing for a kid to be told to be active and healthy when his teacher himself is not healthy himself. Kids need role models to really mean what they say and by practicing what you preach, they will more willingly listen.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to talk the talk, you should walk the walk. Coaches are supposed to be role models and in some cases they are looked at as a parent figure in kids lives. It will also help gain trust from the players if they really believe what the coach is saying and doing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, coaches should be role models. Someone that kids can look to and see what should be done and see that you are practicing what you preach.
ReplyDeleteIf a coach is not in shape how are the kids supposed to be motivated to be healthy when their role model isn't.
ReplyDeleteIt can be designed as a program that measures the same standards or processes over time, or studies can be developed to determine exactly what behaviors or processes are being performed. moes diabetes
ReplyDelete