“Now more than ever, it is important that we are teaching our students how to live healthy active lifestyles. Highlights of this course of study include experiential learning in the classroom, gymnasium, and out-of-doors.”
Faculty Spotlight! We’re shining the spotlight on some of our faculty members this fall so you can get to know the faces around the Faculty of Education.
Meet Dr. Alexandra Stoddart, Assistant Professor in the Health, Outdoor, Physical Education (HOPE) subject area since 2017.
Two things shine through about Dr. Stoddart: her passion for “building relationships with students and for re-instilling and/or growing their love for physical activity.” Her own love for physical activity is demonstrated in her off hours, in which she says, “I love to be physically active. Flying through the air at Fly Studios YXE, playing volleyball, or going to the gym are a few of the ways I strive for balance with my overall health and well-being.”
Dr. Stoddart’s research interest in physical education pedagogy, the physical education curriculum, and physical literacy has recently focused in on exploring 2SLGBTQ+ student experiences in PE. This research was recently awarded a Humanities Research Institute Micro-grant.
As advice for Education students, Dr. Stoddart says, “Remember why you are here. It can be difficult when you have lots of papers, lesson plans, and assignments to do, but if you stop and reflect on the reason why – because you want to positively impact children’s lives – it helps you get through the grind.”
If you are interested in taking a course with Dr. Stoddart, she regularly teaches EPE310 (Physical Education for K-Gr. 8), EHE350 (School Health Education), and graduate courses. A course Dr. Stoddart says she thinks you will enjoy is,”EPE310, a highlight for me to teach because teaching PE at the elementary level was my favourite. I would encourage students to take EPE310 as it showcases how quality PE should be taught. Unfortunately many students have had a negative experience with PE in their own K-12 education. EPE310 can show students how PE should have been taught and how they can make the subject a positive experience for their future students.”
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