College of Communication & Education

Winter Break in India

Professor Rebecca Lytle, along with faculty lecturer Marci Pope, and Adapted Physical Education students Bryan Schaake, Drew Johnson, and Madeline Donk traveled to India for a week in January to teach a seven-day certification course for adapted physical education teachers. Alumni donations made it possible for the students to travel to India and teach methods of adapted pedagogy to University faculty and students.

Ninety participants from special education/physical education teachers in the area and University of Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education faculty and students made up the group.

They studied the development of physical activities in small and large group settings. Participants also studied the history, inclusion, and regulation comparing the United State to India. They learned about Special Olympics and the model and principals of adapting activities to particular special needs.

Numerous activity stations were set up in the gym for rotating play to allow participants to learn the rules and how to teach special-needs games like quad rugby, beep baseball, sitting volleyball, and goal ball. Chico State students gave lectures on a variety of topics, including physical activities and a Spina Bifida overview to include safety and planning.

“We were welcomed with open arms by both faculty and the students who attended the workshop,” said Chico State student Madeline Donk. “The students were very excited about the activities and learning new things. They came with questions and new ideas which was truly a breath of fresh air.”

Special needs educators Shaloo Sharma and Sumil Bhatt of Evoluer Solutions taught sessions during the week-long program and assisted Chico State faculty and students in trip planning and event coordination.

India trip Marci and student
Students, Faculty and Hosts in India

stick game
Certification Students Playing Stickball