Education

Vocational Qualification in Physical Education, 120 credits/3 yrs

Structure of the Study Programme in Physical Education:
General studies 20 credits
Vocational studies 90 credits (include at least 20 credits of on-the-job learning)
- Common vocational studies 70 credits
- Optional vocational studies 20 credits
Elective studies 10 credits

Name of the study programme: Study Programme in Physical Education
Title: Physical Education Assistant
Years of study: Three years

Short description of the contents and aims of study:

sports for children and youth, fitness and health-related exercise, special physical education and coaching
proficiency in the techniques of the most common forms and types of exercise and sports
to instruct sports to people of different ages, emphasising safety and health promotion
to consider client needs in sport instruction
to give personal instruction and guidance to clients in order to promote their holistic well-being
to organise sport events and work in different projects
to know the relations between sport and society in order to be able to work in multicultural and international working environments
to promote and improve one's physical condition, psychological strength, social and physical skills and the abilities needed in this profession
candidates must be able to apply their knowledge in planning and instructing leisure and health-related exercise and in giving advice to people
After studies:
Graduates are equipped to work as sports and leisure instructors in the field of public administration, in sports organisations and in the private sector. Graduates will be able to instruct sports for different age groups (children, youth, adult, senior and disabled).

Links:

CONTENTS OF THE VOCATIONAL STUDIES

COMMON VOCATIONAL STUDIES, 70 CREDITS
1. PHYSICAL TRAINING, 20 CREDITS

The core contents:

development of physio-motor abilities and the command of basic motor skills
acquisition of information and command of different sports, movement development, application and assistance, as well as functioning in a group
organising and working at sport events and competitions
safe exercise in different environments and conditions with respect for nature and to promote sustainable development

2. PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTION IN DIFFERENT OPERATING ENVIRONMENTS, 35 CREDITS

The core contents:

planning and instructing complete programmes for different target groups to promote physical exercise and health, considering the safety factors involved
command of the learning and instruction process in physical education
receiving feedback and evaluating one's own work
interaction skills in different operating environments
written and oral communication skills and information acquisition
command of key occupational terminology and ability to instruct in Swedish (the other national language) and in one foreign language
functioning in public administration, organisations and in the private sector
physical education and leisure services as business operations

3. PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND HEALTH, 15 CREDITS

The core contents:

knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, use of basic anatomical and physiological terminology and improving the condition of the musculo-skeletal system
communication about the health effects of physical exercise and teaching safe exercise methods
ergonomic working methods and development of working conditions; promotion of working capacity
planning and instruction in exercise and coaching; development of physio-motor abilities and basic motor skills
assessment of the physio-motor abilities and basic motor skills of children and youth; knowledge and use of the most common testing and training methods for athletes and people who exercise for fitness and health
familiarity with the Finnish social and health care system and multidisciplinary co-operation

OPTIONAL VOCATIONAL STUDIES, 20 CREDITS
4. INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH, 10 CREDITS

The core contents:

planning and implementation of physical education and supporting the development of children and youth through physical exercise
command of the learning and teaching methods for children and youth and development of one's own instructional methods
command of the monitoring and assessment methods of children and youth's physical development in terms of exercise
planning and implementation of special physical education for children and youth
functioning as an educator

5. INSTRUCTION IN FITNESS AND HEALTH-RELATED EXERCISE, 10 CREDITS

The core contents:

planning, implementation and evaluation of physical exercise programmes for people of different ages to promote their physical condition, functional ability and health
command and application of fitness and health-related exercise and acquisition of new information
selection of safe and reliable tests, testing and interpretation of results
functioning in multidisciplinary teams and as part of fitness and health-related physical education projects

6. INSTRUCTION IN SPECIAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION, 10 CREDITS

The core contents:

planning and implementation of special physical exercise for different groups; interactive communication
application of different forms of exercise and sports, use and adaptation of equipment, as well as offering physical education advice
knowledge of the operating systems in special physical education and participation in projects and campaigns
self-development and development of vocational skills

7. COACHING, 10 CREDITS

The core contents:

command of comprehensive planning and programming in coaching
planning and implementation of training programmes
command of the testing methods of physio-motor properties and basic motor skills, follow-up in coaching and in achieving objectives
familiarity with coaching in different sports and functioning in coaching assignments
interaction between the coach and the athlete or the team in coaching situations; development as a coach

8. OTHER ELECTIVE STUDIES, 10 CREDITS

9. ON-THE-JOB LEARNING

Finland is entering a new era of vocational education and training through a major change which between the years 1999 and 2001 will extend all vocational programmes to last at least three years, including a practical training of six months.

Practical training will be implemented in genuine working environments and is called on-the-job learning.

On-the-job learning is guided, focused and assessed training in accordance with educational objectives determined in the curriculum.

On-the-job learning is planned and implemented together with educational institutions and employers.