Multifaceted Exercise of Balance and Pedagogic Framework of its Application in Primary Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the description of a program of balance exercise in primary education. For a multifaceted balance exercise, the classification of the tasks in specific categories according to their requirements on balance ability (e.g., fast execution of a movement, accurate execution, etc.) is suggested. With the classification of the balance tasks the teacher is able to choose tasks from different categories and in this way a one-sided balance exercise is avoided. Furthermore, the pedagogic framework of the program is described and examples are given with the intention to improve the balance ability of the students and their cognitive and social development. The basic feature of the pedagogic framework that is described, is the participation of the students in decisions concerning the lesson, on the basis of the teaching styles of Mosston and Ashworth (1997). The suggested program and the examples of its application in primary education can be a useful tool for the teacher of physical education.