99703 - Sports Education and Motor Praxeology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with some specific issues regarding sports initiation in childhood, both in terms of the skills that a coach/educator must possess and the aspects related to family involvement, and the role that schools can play in promoting the culture of sports. In particular, will be highlighted: the educational pathway characterizing children's engagement in sports; the psycho-pedagogical and managerial issues of sports contexts; aspects of sports and games that touch on currently important social issues: gender differences, sustainability, inclusion, fairness, and so on. Some basic concepts of Motor Praxeology, an epistemological branch of human motor sciences, will be introduced, particularly the followings: Motor Conduct; Universals of Game; Internal and External Logic of Play; Sociomotricity; Semiomotricity; Sports and Games Classification. Each category of sports and motor games is worthy of analysis and evaluation for its educational contributions, especially taking into account that motor activities develop important decision-making skills.

Course contents

The course focuses on the educational processes that occur through/by the body, in particular on the following themes:

- Universal elements of physical play: space, time, objects, scores, roles, relationships;
- Classification of motor activities;
- 'Internal' and 'External' Logic of physical games;
- Specific communication in physical education: the 'Ludemes' (gestures and praxemes);
- Structures and management of physical educational processes;
- Shared management of developmental processes;
- Promoting active lifestyles and inclusion through physical education programs.

Readings/Bibliography

Ferretti, E. (2016). Educazione in gioco. Bellinzona: Casagrande.

Bortolotti, A. (a cura di)(2023). Il management sportivo umanistico. Bologna: BUP.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods are traditional lectures, the use of media, expert lectures, guided discussions, outdoor experiences and project work.

The course is delivered on the Unibo "Virtuale" platform and contains all the necessary information and materials. The course includes intermediate assignments. Students are required to read the suggested readings (provided by the professor). A list of key and suggested readings will be available on "Virtuale". Active participation and contribution to class discussions are key educational aspects of the course. In any case, those who do not have the opportunity to attend the course can still take the exams in the scheduled sessions. 

Assessment methods

The final examination is designed to verify the achievement of the following learning goals:
Extensive knowledge of the topics covered during the lectures; independent and critical thinking on these topics; ability to apply the topics learned to concrete contexts in the area of sport and physical work; and effective presentation skills.

Choice-based test:

- Written test with both multiple-choice and open-ended questions

- Oral test

- Small group project work (subject to be agreed in advance) 

 

 

Teaching tools

Both the compulsory and suggested readings, as well as the lecture slides, are available on 'Virtuale'; from time to time will also be used a variety of sources (audio-visuals, examples of practical activities, guided discussions, shared reflections, etc.) in order to deepen the covered course concepts.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Bortolotti