Service Learning

The Physical Education department offers various service-learning programs, which entail integrating learning objectives with community service to provide practical learning experiences for future educators and professionals. It is worth noting that this opportunity is not exclusively available to students in the PETE program, but is open to all students at ESU.

Rockets

The Physical Education department provides the Rockets service learning project. Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs. Service-learning involves students in service projects to apply classroom learning for local agencies that exist to effect positive change in the community.

Swim and Gym

The Swim and Gym Program is a community-based physical activity program. It aims to provide quality physical education and activity programs for children with disabilities while offering valuable hands-on experiences for future educators and professionals from various disciplines at ESU.

The program values the unique perspectives and skills that each student brings and provides opportunities for students from diverse majors, including education, athletic training, nursing, and others, to gain practical skills by working with children with disabilities. Each semester, students are assigned to work one-on-one with a child with a disability, as well as participate in group settings with other children with disabilities. Weekly reports and reflections are required of the students to further enhance their experiential learning. This program offers valuable opportunities for students to develop practical skills while making a positive impact on their community. Overall, the Swim and Gym Program is a valuable service learning program that offers quality physical education and activity programs for children with disabilities while providing meaningful experiences for future educators and students from different majors.

Movement Activities

The Movement Program for Special Populations is a physical activity program designed for adults with disabilities in the postsecondary education setting. The program provides an opportunity for students in the Physical Education Teacher Education program and other disciplines to gain valuable hands-on experience by working with individuals with disabilities.

Participants with disabilities engage in a variety of activities, including fundamental movements, games, sports, dance, and swimming, while future educators and professionals gain valuable experience teaching these activities to individuals with disabilities. Effective communication with parents of individuals with disabilities is a cornerstone of this program's success. It is committed to providing support, advocacy, and consultation to ensure that parents receive the necessary guidance to help their children with disabilities participate in quality physical education and activity programs within the community. By partnering with parents, the program gains deeper insights into each participant's unique needs,, while simultaneously promoting a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Impact at a Glance

Benefits to the Community

• It allows our students to play, teach, and mentor students who may be at risk of failing due to socio-economic situations.
• It promotes inclusivity and diversity by bringing together people from different backgrounds, such as different races, cultures, educational levels, ages, and economic statuses, and creating opportunities for them to learn from each other.
• It gives community members with disabilities the opportunity to participate in physical activities and socialize with others, which can improve both their physical and emotional well-being.