OVERVIEW

The course of motor and sport activities for the developmental age prepares for the development of motor and sport classes aimed at the developmental age

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module “Physical and Sports Activities for Childhood and Adolescence” aims to provide basic knowledge and skills on the methodological, educational, organisational, and relational aspects of physical and sports education, with particular attention to early childhood.
The course addresses general didactics, offering broad and transversal preparation useful for those who will work in educational, recreational, and sports contexts.

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Observe and analyse the basic motor skills of children in order to understand their developmental level and individual needs.
2. Design educational interventions consistent with the objectives, promoting motor and sports learning in a structured manner.
3. Select appropriate teaching methods and instructional styles based on learners’ characteristics and needs, fostering active participation and engagement for all.
4. Choose appropriate content (exercises, relays, circuits, games) according to the objectives, age, and characteristics of the learners, following a correct didactic progression.
5. Plan the workload effectively and progressively, adapting it to individual characteristics and the operational context.
6. Organise teaching in a safe, inclusive, stimulating, and well-equipped environment that promotes well-being and learning.
7. Conduct motor activities consistently with the objectives to be achieved, taking into account key variables such as age, group size and characteristics, spaces, equipment, and available time.
8. Collaborate and work in a team, respecting cooperative learning dynamics and shared rules.

TEACHING METHODS

The module combines lectures, group work, case analysis, and applied design activities.

Throughout the module, students will be involved in the development of a motor and sports activity project based on a case study. Students will be divided into groups which, alongside the lectures, will be required to:

• Select a case study independently
• Analyse it progressively by applying the theoretical methods presented during the lessons
• Discuss the results of the analysis critically
• Propose improvements or interventions.

At the end of the course, each group will publicly present its work, illustrating the analysis carried out and the proposed solutions.
This teaching approach is intended to develop skills in observation, critical reflection, teamwork, and the practical application of theoretical content.

Students with certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are invited to contact both the Department’s representative, Prof. Nicola Girtler, and the lecturer at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning styles into account and include compensatory and/or exemption tools recognised by the University’s SLD Support Service.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Childhood and adolescence
• Movement: definition, categories, and development
• physical capacities, skills, and competences
• Learning and teaching
• Content physical and sports activities
• Evaluation, lesson planning, and didactic programming
• Final Project work: group-based planning, demonstration, and evaluation of a physical and sports activity

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes available on Aulaweb of the module

Pesce C. et al. (2024) "Joy of Moving": https://www.joyofmovinghandbook.com/it

Weineck J. (2023) "L'allenamento ottimale" Calzetti e Mariucci

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ALDA BOCCINI (President)

EMANUELA PIERANTOZZI (President)

ALICE MASINI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

I semester, October

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The module includes ongoing assessment of the skills acquired by students through the following activities:

• Team-based design of a physical  or sports activity, with a learning objective chosen independently.
• In-class presentation and demonstration of the designed activity, explaining its aims, structure, and mode of implementation.
• Voting for the activity considered most effective among those presented, accompanied by a justification.
• Peer assessment based on participation and individual contribution.

Active participation in these activities will positively influence the final evaluation of the module.

The final examination for this module will be integrated with the assessments of the other two modules of the course and will consist of a written test composed of multiple-choice questions (one correct answer per question).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The ongoing assessment aims to:

• Develop practical, real-world skills similar to those required in school, recreational, or sports settings, where effective activity design and delivery are essential.
• Promote teamwork and participation, which are fundamental skills for those working with groups of children or adolescents.
• Train communication and demonstration skills, making proposals clear, engaging, and appropriate to the context.
• Actively involve the entire class through voting, fostering discussion, reflection, and the ability to provide motivated feedback.
• Encourage student responsibility through peer evaluation, stimulating self-reflection and recognition of others' contributions.

The written exam aims to assess not only memorisation of content but also critical understanding and the ability to apply concepts in educational motor and sports contexts.