In physical education, which of the following steps for teaching a new skill should be done last?

• A. The coach should give clear verbal or written instructions on how to perform the skill
• B. The coach should test the student to see if she can perform it correctly
• C. The coach should watch the student apply the said skill through practice
• D. The coach should perform a quick demonstration of the skill

Answer: (B)

The sequence of teaching a new skill in physical education typically moves from demonstration to understanding to guided practice, and finally to formal assessment. A quick demonstration shows the correct form so students can visualize the movement. Clear verbal or written instructions translate that demonstration into actionable steps the student can follow. Then, as the student practices, the coach watches and provides feedback to refine technique and prevent bad habits. The last step is to test whether the student can perform the skill correctly, which confirms mastery before proceeding to moreadvanced tasks or variations.

Testing early wouldn’t give the student enough guided practice to refine technique, and it could reinforce incorrect form.