DEPARTMENT OF SPORT SCIENCES


Physical Education at Wingate University

Conceptual Framework
The professional education programs at Wingate University are guided by the conceptual framework of The Effective Facilitator of Learning, which is conceived in the context of a well-rounded liberal arts education and reflects the components of Ethics, Professional Knowledge, Applied Teaching, Creative and Informed Decisions, and Service. This course incorporates Ethics through the study and application and appropriate use of instructional materials and technology. Professional Knowledge is gained through the acquisition of knowledge and skills for curriculum and technology applications and the development and implementation of instructional materials. Applied Teaching, Service, and Creative and Informed Decisions components are reflected as participants use course components in classroom instruction, peer teaching, and mentoring activities. This course will address the competencies related to curriculum and instruction that are needed to help you become an Effective Facilitator of Learning.

In addition to appropriate and desired dispositions for teacher candidates, the Physical Education/Teacher Education Program promotes the philosophy of the "Caring Intellectual." The dispositions desired and assessed within our candidates are Respectful, Reliable, Enthusiastic, Confident, and Flexible.

Click here to find out about the new Master of Arts in Education - Physical Education program!

Overview
The Physical Education Certification Program is housed within the Department of Sport Sciences. Students in the Physical Education program at Wingate University are provided a broad liberal arts background, professional education experiences, and in-depth exposure to educational theory and application. As a four-year program, it offers thorough preparation for the K-12 public teaching setting and is appropriate for students who wish to continue their education at an advanced level. The specialty studies within the Physical Education curriculum are designed to provide students with content knowledge, including motor skill competency, planned sequential field experiences, and pedagogical methods designed to meet the needs of all students in the Physical Education setting. The following are the goals of Wingate University's Physical Education Program:

  • Develop an understanding of the various philosophies and factors that have influenced the growth and development of
    school physical education in our society today.

  • Provide a broad background of both physiological and pedagogical knowledge related to the functioning of the human body during exercise, while acquiring motor skills at all developmental levels.  Study  under this objective will produce a conceptual foundation from which teachers can answer many specific questions related to effective learning and participation of individuals with and without disabilities.

  • Provide learning opportunities to develop pedagogical knowledge appropriate for teaching Physical Education to all students.  Study under this objective will focus on knowledge of curriculum content  planning for effective teaching and learning, establishing  strategies for a conducive learning environment, observation and analysis of movement performance, and assessment of student progress.

  • Provide administrative knowledge and understanding in planning, organizing, supervising, evaluating, and interpreting the various aspects of a comprehensive Physical Education program.

  • Provide experiences for pre-service teachers that develop a desire for continued professional learning through reflective teaching and participation in activities that promote continued learning.

  • Provide learning opportunities so that prospective Physical Education teachers can demonstrate an understanding of a variety of forms of instructional technology.

Can I do a formal internship?  Can I earn credit for it?
YES! Students are required to complete off-campus student teaching during their senior year to prepare for professional practice. Students earn course credit for the student teaching hours (see the college catalog for details).

Program Entrance Requirements
Students may be admitted to the Physical Education major upon satisfying these requirements and being approved by the Teacher Education Committee:

  • The student must submit a formal application to the Teacher Education Committee after completing forty-five semester hours of college work.  A brief autobiography must accompany this application.

  • The student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 at the time of application and maintain at least a 2.50 though graduation.

  • The student must have passed at least one course in education at Wingate University and must have a minimum of fifteen clock hours of field experience in an elementary, middle, or secondary school.

  • The student must successfully meet the minimum score requirements for the PRAXIS series tests.

  • The student must have a minimum grade of "C" in English 100/101 and 102.

  • The student must provide three references from University instructors. One of these recommendations should come from an instructor in education.

  • The student must be interviewed by at least one education instructor.

*Certification-only students: refer to catalog for entry requirements.

What classes will I take?

  • BIO-120   Human Biology

  • BIO-315   Anatomy and Physiology

  • PE-145     Sport Safety Training

  • PE-201     Philosophical Foundations of Physical Education

  • PE-203     Motor Learning

  • PE-220     Educational Dance & Gymnastics

  • PE-221     Individual & Dual Sport Skill Development

  • PE-222     Team Sport Skill Development

  • PE-310     Exercise Physiology & Lab

  • PE-315     Anatomical Kinesiology

  • PE-380     Elementary Physical Education Methods

  • PE-385     Middle and Secondary School Physical Education Methods 

  • PE-401     Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education

  • PE-402     Organization and Administration

  • PE-410     Adapted Sport

  • EDUC-201     Foundations of Education

  • EDUC-205     Educational Psychology

  • EDUC-322     Teaching Reading in the Content Areas

  • EDUC-330     Curriculum and Instruction

  • EDUC-400     Student Teaching Seminar

  • EDUC-490a,b,c     Physical Education Student Teaching

  • EDUC-497     Exit Examination

  • HEALTH-101  Personal and Community Health

  • PSYC-310/302  Adolescent/Child Psychology

  • SPEECH-101     Public Speaking

Click here for Physical Education Lecture Notes

CONTACT:
Dr. Dennis Johnson

Associate Professor, Assistant Dean of Education
& Program Coordinator for Physical Education Program
djohnson@wingate.edu
704-233-8182