It is the psychological challenge that is often the most unnerving. Finally, a day of field hockey leaves students questioning how they learn the skills necessary to successfully negotiate several dribbling and passing drills. Some of us watched the coach demonstrate, others looked at those around them, and the rest of us just tried to figure it out by playing around and getting a feel for it. In their assigned journals, the students reflect upon their experiences during each class. Students must explore how they learn to perform the daily designated tasks.
Some people learn in pictures, for some people the knowing is in the doing.
For each activity, there is a whole different set of intelligences required. The hope is that Testa's students will leave the course with a heightened understanding of the import of arts and athletics in their intellectual development. While academic and athletics may serve to enhance a different set of the seven intelligences, as designated by Howard Gardner, both help the overall growth of a student. I have learned so much over my four years here, learning what it takes to be an athlete. I have learned as much through different experiences as I have in my classes.