87619 - Motor Praxeology with elements of Outdoor Education

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 education processes through the body, specifically addressing the following theoretical and practical aspects:

• Play Universals: Space, Time, Objects, Scores, Roles, Relationships, Communication;

• Classification of motor activities;

• The 'internal' and 'external' logic of games;

• Motor communication or 'ludemes': gestemes and praxemes;

• The main approaches to active Physical Education;

• Structural and organizational issues of educational approaches;

• Management of shared development processes;

• Promoting active and inclusive lifestyles through physical, motor, and play education projects.

Readings/Bibliography

Bortolotti, A. (a cura di)(2024). Alla ricerca dello spazio perduto. Studi e ricerche in Outdoor Education. Milano: Guerini.

Donato, A. (2022). Il corpo tra natura e cultura La sfida ecosofica della pedagogia. Milano: FrancoAngeli.

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

Teaching methods

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

The course utilizes the 'Virtuale' platform of Unibo, where all the necessary information and materials to achieve the required objectives can be found. Students are required to read the key documents and any additional readings provided by the teacher. Active participation and contribution to class discussions are very important educational aspects of the course. The course may include some optional intermediate assignments. In any case, those who are unable to attend and complete the various exercises can still take their exam during the scheduled sessions.

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to assess the level of the following educational objectives:

• knowledge of the topics covered during the lessons;
• critical and independent thinking on the topics covered;
• ability to apply the learned themes to concrete contexts in the field of sports and physical activities;
• ability to effectively present various knowledge and skills.

Choice of assessment method:

• Written test with both multiple-choice and open-ended questions
• Oral examination
• Small group project work (the topic must be agreed upon in advance)

Teaching tools

Mandatory and recommended readings, as well as lecture slides, are available on 'Virtuale'; various sources (audiovisuals, examples of practical activities, guided discussions, shared reflections, etc.) will also be used from time to time to deepen the concepts covered. The module also adheres to the DDI (Didattica Digitale Integrativa: Integrative Digital Teaching) approach, so lectures will be recorded and made available on 'Virtuale' as they occur.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Bortolotti