Another potential hazard in the minefield of teaching. A new study says humiliation in gym class can turn kids off of physical fitness for life. Science Daily quotes one of the study participants:
“I am a 51-year-old woman whose childhood experiences with sports, particularly as handled in school, were so negative that even as I write this my hands are sweating. I feel on the verge of tears. I have never experienced the humiliation nor felt the antipathy toward any other aspect of life as I do toward sports.”
According to Billy Strean of the University of Alberta, good or a bad experiences in gym can be “based on the personal characteristics of the coach or instructor.” For example, negative experiences may come from a teacher who has low energy, is unfair and/or someone who embarrasses students,” says Science Daily. Ed Week’s Debra Viadero points out the research is qualitative and based on 24 accounts from adults looking back on their childhood gym experiences.
