Unit 3



Unit 3Methodology and Pedagogy for SportTable of ContentsOverview: Methodology and Pedagogy for Sport ..………………………. 2Establishing a Clearly Understood Philosophy …….…………………….. 3Development of Comprehensive Communications Skills...………………. 4Developing a Set of Goals within the Framework of the Philosophy ……. 6Developing and Maintaining an Optimum Learning Environment …….... 6Summary …………………………………………………………………. 7Unit 3 Methodology and Pedagogy for SportsOverviewThis unit examines two very important and interconnected educational approaches and how to apply them in sports: pedagogy (ped'-a-gō-gee) and methodology. Pedagogy is the art of teaching or coaching and involves the systematic study and application of techniques, methods, and procedures, which can be perfected in teaching practices. Methodology?is the specific application of pedagogical principles. It involves the organization of established planning with clear objectives in mind and understanding those methods which will ensure attainment of those objectives.Clearly understanding and applying well-developed pedagogical and methodological principles will help determine a coach’s success. The following is a small list of practices which are indicative of sound pedagogical/methodological principles. The list is by no means exhaustive, but using these principles will serve as a strong foundation in the overall development of a coach’s approach to building team success:Establishing a Clearly Understood PhilosophyDevelopment of Comprehensive Communications SkillsDeveloping a Set of Goals within the Framework of the PhilosophyDeveloping and Maintaining an Optimum Learning EnvironmentEach of these principles is relevant and applicable to the fundamental knowledge and strategies of coaching. As coaches develop individual philosophies, they must address and identify beliefs which will help achieve the established program objectives. Developing complete coach-athlete relationships is dependent upon good communication and will expedite and facilitate implementation of the philosophy and goals throughout the coach’s program. Effectively communicating with their athletes and staffs, coaches lay the groundwork for ensuring the success of individual and team goals. As they prepare athletes and staffs for competition, coaches must create and maintain an optimum learning environment. Such an environment must be positive, fun, building, encouraging, and instructive so that a complete belief in the coach’s system and philosophy can be uniformly and wholeheartedly accepted.Establishing a Clearly Understood PhilosophyEvery coach’s program must be based upon that coach’s belief system which indicates a personal and unique philosophy that represents everything the coach believes. It must encompass a core of principles which serve as the framework for everything the coach does. At the same time, it is evident to the coach’s staff and athletes in every aspect of the coach’s life, personal and professional. A coach’s philosophy is the foundation upon which decisions are made. A well-developed philosophy is fundamental in securing success for a coach. A clearly established and understood philosophy indicates an overall approach not only to athletic competition, but to life as well. Crucial leadership decisions are impacted by the coach’s philosophy. The decision-making process is a function of the coach’s philosophy and extends to the needs of every segment of the team and program, since each decision has consequences which impact the entire program.Interconnections of a Coach’s PhilosophyLegendLight Gray = Coach of the teamGray =Individual participants on the teamBlack =Team White =Important components which must be accounted for in overall philosophyThe above diagram exhibits the various segments of a team and program. A coach’s philosophy overlaps each segment. Briefly, a coach’s philosophy will dictate the operations of the program and can be one of four possibilities: athlete-centered – the athlete is the central consideration;team-centered – rebuilding a team every year based on the talents of the participants; program-centered – team is built over a period of time with similar participants; and, coach-centered – coach is the focal point of the team.Development of Comprehensive Communications SkillsCoaches must develop effective communication skills in order to have positive interaction with their athletes. Positive interaction does not always occur spontaneously, particularly when coaches must react to frustrating situations in the "heat of battle." Positive interaction is also the result of a clearly defined philosophy as outlined in the previous section. Coaches must develop and embrace a personal philosophy of coaching and an important element of that philosophy must be a commitment to developing comprehensive communications skills.It is imperative for coaches to realize they influence athletes who play for them. A significant form of communication is a coach’s behavior and attitude. Athletes learn more from what a coach does than from what a coach says. Using effective communications skills is the best vehicle for coaches to develop solid relationships with their athletes. Coaches communicate with and influence their athletes more through demonstrating respect, encouragement, and trust. Communicating in this manner, coaches can make a significant contribution in the development of an athlete's life.Leadership/Communication StylesEffective communication is the product of effective leadership skills. There are various leadership/communication styles which enable a coach to communicate with the staff and team. For our purposes here, the focus will be on three of these styles:Authoritarian – Know-it-all or SergeantLaissez Faire – Let it All Hang OutDemocratic/Reciprocal – Full Participation AuthoritarianThis style is a one-way communication avenue. The coach tells what to do, what to say and how to behave. The athlete does exactly as told. The players and staff are subordinate to the coach and can be seen simply as replaceable parts.Coach ↓PlayersLaissez faireThis style produces minimal communication between coaches and athletes. Since the coach has a “hands-off” approach, communication is a low priority. As a consequence athletes tend to make decisions without guidance.Coach ? PlayersDemocratic/ReciprocalResearch says this is the most effective coaching style. Communication is two-directional and every person involved has a stake in the team’s success. Using this style, a coach empowers players to voice opinions while maintaining the right to make all final decision. Coach ?PlayersCommunication LevelsWhen instructing athletes, coaches must communicate in language appropriate to the developmental age of the participants. The following are examples of how a coach should formulate the language patterns for each skill and age level:Beginner (no skill or background in the skill)Positive for shaping behaviors –The coach praises the behaviors so the behaviors are repeatedExample: “Laura, you are using your arms while you run very well today.”Novice (one with minimal skills)Positive Corrective statement followed by a positive statement (sandwich approach) Example: “Way to shoot, Johnny! Be sure to follow through and continue to shoot.”Proficient (one with substantial experience)Corrective positive Example: “Oliver, use your instep to slice the ball. You can do it! I know you can!”Important Coaching Communications ElementsAddress players by name Discuss behaviors or skills only Emphasize skill development Do NOT become personal or attack the player’s psycheMastering these basic elements of communication will establish a strong foundation for a successful coaching career.Developing a Set of Goals within the Framework of the PhilosophySetting goals is the most effective method for communicating a coach’s philosophy to a staff and team. Through goals a coach can provide players with performance expectations as well as levels of motivation. There are many approaches to goal setting, but one of the simplest and most effective is known as the “SMART” method. In this system, the acronym sets goals which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. While fulfilling these goal elements, coaches should also focus on developing long-term, short term, individual, and team goals.Example: Team XYZ will finish in the top ten in 4/5 defensive categories this season.S = Specific [“Team XYZ…”]M= Measurable [“…will finish in the top ten…”]A = Attainable [“…4/5 defensive categories…”]R = Realistic [either 4 OR 5 defensive categories]T = Time-bound [“…this season.”]Developing and Maintaining an Optimum Learning EnvironmentSports activities must be FUN! To achieve this, coaches should include enjoyable activities which will create the optimum learning environment for all participants. These activities should focus on the following elements in teaching sports participation: physical conditioningtechnical skillstactics and strategiescharacter developmentIn creating the optimum learning environment, the coach must display an open and inviting demeanor. The coach must be constantly and consistently positive. In so doing, the coach will exhibit this in communication skills, in respectful attitudes toward participants, in promoting player welfare, and in game behaviors. Maintaining this environment calls for coaches to plan activities which are challenging enough to keep the athletes engaged and still allow for achievement.Athletes deserve to practice and play in an environment which enables them to acquire the technical skills needed to be successful both as individuals and as a team. Such an environment is non-threatening to the physical, emotional, and social development of participants. Gaining or losing an athlete’s respect is dependent on a coach’s behavior. Positive behaviors can serve to elevate the self-esteem of athletes at a critical time in their psychosocial development. The optimum learning environment will be centered around the following attitudes and behaviors:fun for all;individual welfare and safety; challenge within the confines of the participant’ levels; and,remaining positive and non-threateningSummaryEverything in a sport organization must focus on the benefits and welfare of its participants. Every coach should be aware of the responsibility to promote the organization’s purpose. A coach must have the skill-sets to create a positive team atmosphere. Promoting a team atmosphere includes teaching each participant skill development while emphasizing individual and team successes.The obvious indicators, then, of a sound pedagogy/methodology foundation for a coach include:Establishing a Clearly Understood PhilosophyDevelopment of Comprehensive Communications SkillsDeveloping a Set of Goals within the Framework of the PhilosophyDeveloping and Maintaining an Optimum Learning Environment ................
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