Social Responsibility in PE Classrooms
Understanding Hellison's Model Building Character Through Sport Year 11 Physical Education
What is Social Responsibility?
Taking ownership of our actions and their impact on others Showing respect for teammates, opponents, and equipment Contributing positively to group activities and school community Making ethical decisions in competitive and cooperative situations
Meet Don Hellison
American educator and researcher (1938-2013) Developed the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model Focused on using physical activity to develop life skills Worked extensively with at-risk youth through sport programs
Hellison's Five Levels of Responsibility
Level 0: Irresponsibility
Blaming others for problems Disrupting others' learning Not following safety rules Making excuses instead of taking ownership
Level 1: Self-Control
Following rules and instructions Controlling emotions during competition Respecting equipment and facilities Participating without disrupting others
Level 2: Involvement
Actively participating in all activities Trying new skills even when challenging Showing effort and persistence Engaging positively with learning tasks
Reflection Activity
Think of a recent PE class or sports situation Identify which level of responsibility you demonstrated What could you do to move to a higher level? Share with a partner (2 minutes each)
Level 3: Self-Direction
Setting personal goals and working toward them Taking initiative in learning Working independently when needed Making good choices without constant supervision
Level 4: Caring
Helping and encouraging teammates Including others who might be left out Showing empathy and support Contributing to the positive culture of the class
How Can We Apply This Model?
How might these levels look different in team sports vs individual activities? What strategies could help someone move from Level 1 to Level 2? How can we support classmates to reach higher levels?
Your Responsibility Journey
Responsibility is a skill that develops over time You can be at different levels in different situations The goal is consistent growth and self-awareness Every choice is an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility