What is the role of the instructor during cooperative learning in physical education?

The role of the instructor during cooperative learning in physical education is primarily to facilitate collaboration and ensure inclusion among students. In this educational approach, the instructor guides students in working together in small groups, encouraging them to communicate and support each other as they engage in physical activities. By fostering an environment where all students feel valued and included, the instructor enhances teamwork and social interaction, which are key components of cooperative learning. This approach not only improves physical skills but also builds interpersonal skills and a sense of community among students.

While assessing performance metrics, overseeing competition, or assigning individual tasks may be aspects of physical education instruction, they do not align with the primary goals of cooperative learning. This teaching strategy focuses on group dynamics, mutual support, and shared responsibility, all of which require the instructor to be more of a facilitator than an evaluator or taskmaster. The aim is to cultivate collaboration rather than competition, making it essential for the instructor to emphasize inclusion and cooperation among all participants.