85061 - PEDAGOGIA DEL GIOCO E DELLO SPORT

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will:

• demonstrate knowledge of the main types of physical activities, traditional games and sports, as well as the principal educational models and methods that recognise play as a pedagogical and educational tool in both school and out-of-school settings;
• acquire an appropriate understanding of the educational value of traditional games and sport, their cultural and educational models, and the principles for planning and managing traditional games and sport activities for children and adolescents through pedagogically appropriate approaches and relationships.

Course contents

The course explores the educational role of play, sport and motor activities, both indoor and outdoor, as pedagogical tools and means of fostering personal development. After introducing the main types of motor practices (physical activities, motor games and sports) and the principal educational approaches in this field, the course examines the foundations of Motor Praxeology, with particular attention to the concepts of motor conduct, internal logic and external logic of motor practices.

Through this perspective, students will develop an understanding of how the educational value of motor activities depends not on the activities themselves, but on the ways in which they are designed, organised and implemented. The course aims to develop students' ability to critically analyse and design educational motor, play and sport activities, with particular reference to children and adolescents.

The concepts addressed in the theoretical module will be further explored and applied during the practical Outdoor Education activities included in the integrated course.

Readings/Bibliography

Reference texts

Bortolotti A., Lo sport adatto, Bologna University Press, Bologna, 2026.

Bortolotti A. (Ed.), Alla ricerca dello spazio perduto. Studi e ricerche in Outdoor Education, Guerini Scientifica, Milan, 2024.

Additional learning materials and further readings will be made available through the University's Virtuale online learning platform.

Teaching methods

The course adopts active learning methodologies aimed at promoting students' active and informed participation while encouraging connections between theoretical reflection and practical experience.

Alongside interactive lectures, students will be involved in guided discussions, individual and small-group activities, analysis and project work, whole-class discussions, debates, case studies, video analysis, and learning activities based on the flipped classroom approach, in which part of the learning materials is studied independently before class, allowing classroom time to be devoted to discussion, collaborative learning and practical application.

These teaching methods are intended to foster critical thinking, reflective skills and educational planning competencies, encouraging students to take an active role in their own learning process.

The practical Outdoor Education module included in the integrated course will provide opportunities to experience and apply the theoretical principles addressed during the lectures.

Assessment methods

Assessment is considered an integral part of the learning process. Rather than simply marking the conclusion of the course, it provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, competencies and level of understanding they have developed throughout the semester.

For attending students, assessment consists of the development and presentation of an individual or small-group Project Work, focusing on the analysis or design of educational motor, play, sport or outdoor activities related to the course topics. Project Works will be presented and discussed during the final class session, which will be devoted to peer discussion, critical reflection and the sharing of learning experiences, consistently with the active learning approach adopted throughout the course.

For non-attending students, assessment consists of either an oral examination or a written assignment agreed with the lecturer, according to the student's preference. This flexibility is intended to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge and competencies through the assessment format in which they can express themselves most effectively.

Assessment will take into account the accuracy of the content, the appropriate use of disciplinary terminology, the quality of critical analysis, the ability to connect theory and practice, and the student's autonomy in educational planning and argumentation.

Regarding assessment, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted only for limited, declared and non-substantial support activities (e.g. summarising or rephrasing texts). Substantial use of AI in producing assessment work is not permitted, and all submitted work must represent the student's own original contribution.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities will be supported through the University of Bologna's Virtuale online learning platform, where students will find study materials, lecture presentations, scientific papers, additional readings, bibliographical references and other learning resources.

The course will also make use of videos, multimedia resources, case studies and other teaching materials supporting the analysis and design of educational motor, sport and outdoor activities.

Generative Artificial Intelligence tools may be used as a support for individual study, provided they are employed critically and responsibly, for example to summarise contents, reformulate concepts or support self-assessment.

Additional teaching materials may be progressively integrated throughout the course, also in response to students' interests and to developments in current scientific research.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Bortolotti

See the website of Marcella Terrusi