What assessment approach best measures locomotor and nonlocomotor movement concepts during physical education?

• A. Written exams on definitions
• B. Use observational rubrics during task-specific activities with criteria for locomotor and nonlocomotor
• C. Self-reported confidence surveys
• D. Coach feedback only without rubrics

Answer: (B)

Assessing how students demonstrate movement skills is most effective when you observe them performing real tasks and use a clear rubric to rate their performance. Observing during task-specific activities with criteria for both locomotor (moving through space, like running, jumping, leaping) and nonlocomotor (staying in place and controlling the body, like balancing, bending, twisting) lets you see how well they apply concepts in context, not just what they can recall. A rubric provides specific indicators such as body alignment, control, consistency, and safety, so you can measure progress across different activities and give targeted feedback.

Written exams on definitions only test recall and don’t capture how well a student can execute or adapt movements in real situations. Self-reported confidence surveys gauge attitudes or perceived ability, not actual skill performance. Coach feedback without rubrics can be subjective and inconsistent, lacking a standardized way to track growth or compare students fairly.

By combining observation with a structured rubric, you get a reliable, actionable picture of a student’s capability to perform both locomotor and nonlocomotor movements in authentic PE tasks.