Professor Ivanna Bodnar presented the Ivan Boberskyi Lviv State University of Physical Culture at a large-scale event – an expert meeting dedicated to updating the content of physical education. This is the fifth of ten expert discussions for each educational field within the framework of the «Education for Life» policy to strengthen and implement the «New Ukrainian School» reform. «Education for Life» brought together educators, experts and representatives of state bodies to discuss key changes in the physical education of schoolchildren.
Speakers, including Nadiia Kuzmychova (Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine), Serhii Tymofieiev (Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine), discussed how modern physical culture can contribute to the formation of an active and healthy generation.
Moderator Oleksandr Pedan (NGO «JuniorS») held a question/answer session from teachers.
This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic «Portrait of a Graduate. How Should Physical Education Prepare Children for Life in a Changing World?»
Speakers: Kostiantyn Yevtushenko – Managing Partner of Unit.city; Oleksandr Sekirin – Founder of the All Stars Dance School; Oleksandr Bozhok – Representative of the Side by Side Organizing Committee, Deputy Director of the State Institution «Sport for All»; Mariia Pavlichuk – Co-Founder of the NGO «JuniorS» revealed the secrets of their own experience on how they involve their children in regular classes.
Іn the next part, participants worked in groups, proposing solutions for the professional development of physical education teachers, involving student self-government, and building inclusive approaches in teaching.
MAIN TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
▶ What role does physical education play in preparing children for life outside of school?
▶ What competencies should a modern physical education teacher have?
▶ Is a competitive system appropriate in physical education lessons?
▶ How to adapt physical activity to the characteristics of students?
The head of the Theory and Methods of Physical Education Department of our higher education institution, Professor Ivanna Bodnar, shared with the participants of the event a life hack on using interdisciplinary connections between history lessons and «Defense of Ukraine» with physical education. This approach makes the lessons more dynamic and meaningful, expands and increases interest in history and military training, and contributes to the patriotic education of students through physical activity.
In particular, it was proposed to introduce physical education lessons with a historical subtext: Cossack era – imitation of horseback riding (on fitballs); duels with improvised swords (noodles); The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) – throwing grenades, overcoming an obstacle course (imitation of movement through a forest or urban development); carrying a “wounded comrade” (work in pairs).
To create the appropriate atmosphere, you can use clothing and weapons of the time; maps of tribal settlements, forest hideouts, and partisan routes; photos of archaeological finds of swords, shields, and symbols of Cossack regiments; and photos of UPA participants, including youth groups.
Ivanna Bodnar: “I want to share my impressions of the meeting. It was nice to see that there are so many young and caring physical education teachers. We (the invited experts) together with them (the practicing teachers) created many cool ideas that can and should be implemented in order to attract parents and motivate students. The invited speakers are outstanding personalities, true professionals and erudite specialists in various fields. Communicating with them was extremely useful and inspiring, I gained a lot of valuable knowledge and new experience, which I will transfer to my team.
«Thank you to the participants for the new unexpected and bold solutions and productive discussions! Thank you to the organizers for the created atmosphere that contributed to the involvement in the discourse! Together we are building quality education for life».
