Redesigning Physical Education: Student-Centered Approaches to Behavior and Belonging

Course Description This course challenges traditional punitive discipline practices in physical education and explores restorative, student-centered alternatives that affirm equity, confidence, and belonging for all students. Participants will learn how to redesign classroom management, fitness practices, and unit structures to reduce harm, increase engagement, and give every student a meaningful role. The course emphasizes critical consciousness, culturally responsive-sustaining practices, and real-world application to PE teaching. Objectives In this course, learners will: Critically examine the impact of punitive discipline and public shaming in PE. Apply restorative practices that strengthen relationships, trust, and accountability. Design student-centered PE lessons that embed choice, voice, and accountability. Build classroom cultures that prioritize equity, belonging, and confidence. Develop sustainable routines and role systems to engage every student. Create a restorative PE unit plan that integrates course learning into practice.