The Learner Profile in Action in PE

Allowing students a voice in identifying the attributes that they have excelled in

Not only is recognizing student effort in PE important in creating a positive tone and motivating our students in our classes, equally critical is allowing them to identify specific reasons why they have been successful in regards to the learner profile. A new approach that I am taking when recognizing student achievement in my classes is to get the students themselves to select which learner profile attribute they felt was most important in them being successful. When I challenge the students to be specific and to explain why they have been successful, I can see the wheels spinning as they must truly think and reflect on the reasons for their success. 

In the example below, the student being recognized made amazing progress in the striking and fielding unit. When I asked which learner profile attribute was most important in him being successful, he first thought open-minded, but later changed it to risk-taker. When I recognized his efforts and explained to the class why he was being given the award, he had a smile that beamed from ear to ear. His picture is now up on the Learner Profile in Action in PE display board in the elementary hallway for all to see. 

As teachers we can recognize students by telling them which attribute that we think that they have demonstrated, but I feel that it is more effective to get them to identify the attribute for themselves. Doing so creates a more authentic connection to the learner profile.