Planning and Implementation of Circuit Training

Learning stations are an effective teaching strategy for skills-building and development of fundamentals in the Physical Education learning environment. I like to refer to designing and implementing learning stations as circuit training. Circuit training refers to the process of creating an activity plan, which addresses the standards and learning objectives of lessons/units, and operates on the premise of intervals of active/recovery periods. Circuit training is a highly effective method of dividing large classes (often the case with P.E.) into more manageable small groups, and incorporating the principles of teamwork, collaboration and cooperative learning into exercises designed to target skill development and/or specific speed, strength, fitness, A.B.C. (agility, balance, coordination) learning goals.

Circuits may be created to allow students to work at their own pace, or preferably to manipulate the F.I.T.T. (frequency, intensity, type, timing) via active/recovery ratio and order of exercise stations. Homogeneous and mixed-ability groupings can be applied based upon the teaching and learning goals of the lesson/unit, and should be adjusted and adapted based upon continuous formative assessment and evaluation.

Sample Circuit:  Grade 8, Personal Physical Fitness (Plan), Standards and LO's flexible

30 Students, Groups of 6, 5 Stations, 5 mins/station, 1 min rest/transition, 30 mins total

Station 1:  Wheelbarrow push-ups (with partner) through zigzag course with switch
Station 2:  Resisted sprints with partner, 1 player holds partner at shoulders then releases halfway into 40 yd sprint, next 1 player holds partner at hips and releases at halfway point in to 40 yd sprint
Station 3:  Core Poses (bridge/plank 1 minute, and side poses30-45 seconds) and Leg Throws (sets of 25 straight down, 10 sides)
Station 4:  Broad Jumps, Jump Lunges, 1 Leg Bounds over 30 yds in groups of 3 to achieve 1:2 active/recovery interval
Station 5:  300 Yard Shuttle (Start to 10y and back, 20 y and back, 30y and back, 40y and back, 50y and back) *target time is 60-90 seconds, rest is equal (60-90 seconds), 2nd shuttle same target time 60-90 seconds.

No waiting in lines, students constantly engaged, group dynamic encourages peer tutoring and serves to motivate and inspire students to push their limits.