Case Studies in Physical Education: Real World Preparation for Teaching
If you have long looked for a way to bring the gymnasium into the classroom for critical issue discussions, this is a textbook for you. One of the difficult aspects of teacher training is trying to place students in a setting where relevant issues come alive and seem real. Case studies have been used in the past, but rarely have offered the requisite depth and feeling to make them realistic. Stroot and her collaborators have assembled a wide variety of case studies that are well written and carefully crafted. These studies focus carefully on problems that have long been "hotspots" in our profession. For example, topics such as role conflict, discipline, inclusion, teacher resisting change, and marginalization of physical education have long troubled many teachers regardless of their experience. Each of the 16 case studies has been written by a different set of authors who are able to successfully paint scenarios that come alive.As I read these case studies, I was somewhat surprised at how easily I became immersed in them and even felt strong emotion because they seemed so authentic. The cases made me become part of the problem or issue. Soon I found myself thinking of ways to solve these problems. The studies increased my insight and awareness into some subtle and some not-so-subtle issues.One of the strengths of this text is that each case study is followed by questions that encourage introspection and self-analysis. After reading a case study, students can take the time to think independently as they answer critical issue questions. Later, they can come together and share strategies, ideas, philosophies, and feelings.If you want a text that will encourage your students to think and reflect, I recommend this one. Prepare for some quality reflection!"--Robert P. Pangrazi, Arizona State University