Character Simulation - the Idea Behind PE100 SYSTEM™ Programs

“We know we can’t teach every student to play every instrument in the band. Why do we think we can teach every child to play every sport?” (Corbin, 2002).

Let's face the truth... not all students wish to be athletic or are born to be athletes. That's why Gomez has developed curricular program options for schools in order to meet the needs of each student taking up regular school PE. These options keep in mind factors such as students’ kinesthetic ability, learning styles, activity or sports preferences, disabilities or limitations, and personal goals. Students perform best and are intrinsically motivated when they are given the opportunity to choose the program that best fits them. What then are the programs available?

To come up with programs  that include all students in PE, so that no single learner is left behind, Gomez has developed an original model – the Character Simulation in a Sport Event - to classify the types of learners we usually encounter in PE class.

The Crowd	Characteristics: They are the type of students who have little or no passion to participate in sports competitions They enjoy watching matches and cheer for their favorite team They have a high possibility to be idle or sedentary They are passive, easy going, and “come-what-may” type of students They are mainly interested in various activities that are fun and enjoyable
The Athletes	Characteristics: They are the type of students who are passionate about sports training and competitions Their enjoyment comes from active involvement in sports activities and competitions They are less likely to be idle or sedentary. A ball is enough to keep them moving They are active and goal-oriented types of students They are mainly motivated by success and achievements

The Injured Athletes	Characteristics: They are the type of students who have short-term or long-term injury or disability Their participation and the types of activities they are allowed to do are limited They are more likely to be idle or sedentary because of their limitation They need special considerations as much as they need to be active They are interested in activities that they can do
The Cheerleaders	Characteristics: They are the type of students who are not into sports training or competition, but are definitely creative and artistic They integrate creativity into their movements They are less likely to be idle or sedentary. A rhythm is enough to keep them moving They love to perform on stage. They love dancing, acrobatics, and stunts  They are interested mainly in rhythmic activities
The Organizers/Officials	Characteristics: They are the type of students who are less passionate about sports training They are incredibly passionate in sports competitions They are less likely to be idle or sedentary They have potential leadership qualities that need cultivation They are interested in activities and leadership roles

One of the key factors to encourage student participation, Siedentop says, is to allow students themselves to be “legitimate peripheral participants” simulating the functions and roles of athletes or players, coach, referee, equipment officer, sports journalist, statistician—among others (Kirk, 2006). With these character simulations, students will reflect on themselves—which program best Hit them. Students will have the freedom to undertake their preferred program pathway towards lifetime participation in physical activities. 

To learn more about the PE Programs I have developed, please contact me in person. I'd be happy to share them with you. 




Works Cited:

Corbin C., 2002, “Physical Activity for Everyone: What Every Physical Educator Should Know, http://journals.humankinetics.com/AcuCustom/Sitename/ Documents/DocumentItem/4223.pdf, March 6, 2016

Kirk, D. (2006). Sport Education, Critical Pedagogy, and Learning Theory: Toward an Intrinsic Justification for PhysicalEducation and Youth Sport. Quest, 58 (2) 255-264.