Using the outline below, develop your personal philosophy in a paper to be submitted.
1. Statement of Purpose (why do we need a philosophy?)
• Why have a philosophy with regards to education/physical education?
• What beliefs or morals are important to me (without regards to physical education, just in general)?
• What goals, objectives, content, and standards of conduct should I be guided by? What are my goals in trying to live or teach by these beliefs?
2. Importance of Physical Education to others and self? (Now that I have a belief system, how do I relate that to others?)
• How will I evaluate what I teach?
• How will I deal with those students/parents that do not have the same philosophy that I do?
• How will I defend my belief system if challenged?
3. Review your past experiences in physical education and sport.
• Outstanding experiences?
• Disheartening ones?
• What physical educator do/did you particularly admire?
• Role models?
• What was their philosophy?
4. How Do I feel about?
• How do I feel about youth sports? (playing time, coaches training, abuse of children)
• What academic requirements should be met in order to continue participation?
• How do I feel about drug use/abuse by athletes?
• Should you require physical education for everyone (students, employees, etc...)
• How should I "practice what I preach" with regards to physical education?
5. Traditional Philosophies (found in your textbook, must be included in paper!)
• Which ones are compatible with your beliefs?
• Which ones are not, or do you disagree with?
• How can you put these theories into practice?
6. Professionals in the field
• What professionals in the field do you most admire? Why?
• How are their philosophies evident in their teaching?
• How do you think your philosophy may change throughout the years?
7. Summary
• Tell how you plan to apply this philosophy in your career (whether in the field or not.
• What will you do to continue to develop your philosophy?
• What means will you take to assure that you continue to learn and grow?