Kevin Taylor, Ph.D.
Position
Professor - Kinesiology Department
Academic Background
- University of South Carolina
Ph.D., in Physical Education Pedagogy, 1994 - Central Washington University
M. S., in Health, Physical Education & Recreation, 1990 - Northumberland University Newcastle
B.A., Sport Studies, 1986
Sample Courses
- KINE 100 – Adapted Physical Education
- KINE 319 – Introduction to Research Methods in Kinesiology
- KINE 407 – Adapted Physical Activity
- KINE 400 – Student Teaching Seminar
- KINE 437 – Directed Field Work
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching by definition is a “human endeavor” and, if they are truly concerned about student learning more than grades, teachers must always acknowledge the humanness in their students! Teachers must forgive students their weaknesses and work with them to help develop their strengths. Teaching should in many instances be an act of compassion. Teaching is decision making. Teaching decisions should be carefully guided by knowledge of content, knowledge of teaching, knowledge of students, of student needs, and knowledge of the unique context in which instruction is being delivered. Instructional decisions need to focus on what our students need to know, and be guided by how they are likely to apply that knowledge in professional settings particularly at a polytechnic institution like Cal Poly.
"The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life". Albert Einstein
Research and Interests
In attempting to operationalize Cal Poly’s Teacher-Scholar model for faculty members, my scholarly interests are an extension of my teaching. I am interested in community based learning, adapted physical activity and physical education. I am currently collaborating with colleagues in the College of Engineering to build assistive devices for people with disabilities to participate in physical activity. I continue to collaborate with members of my local community to engage Cal Poly students in delivering physical activity programming for people with disabilities.
Notable Academic Appointments and Awards
- Paul Wolff Accesisiblity Advocacy Award Individual Honor
- California Polytechnic Sate University, San Luis Obispo, CA President’s Service Award for Innovation in Service, 2001-2003
- Cal Poly Distinguished Teaching Award, 2010
Publication Highlights
- Taylor, J. Kevin, Kramer, D., Pebworth, K., & Werner, P.H. (2010) Geocaching: School and Community. Human Kinetics Publishers.
- Taylor, J. K. & Farren, B. “String Orienteering: Orienteering for the Elementary Grades” Teaching Elementary School Physical Education (TEPE). March 2003.
- Taylor, J.K., Self, B.P., Slivovsky, L.A., and Widman, J. (2008) Initial Project Report: Access by Design: Capstone Projects to Promote Adapted Physical Activity
- Taylor, J. K. Swapping Wheelchairs and Walkers for Kayaks. The Advocate, a publication of the Disability Resource Center, Cal Poly; Spring 2001.
- Taylor, J. K. Launching the SoloQuad Conversion Project: Kayaking with Quadriplegia. The Northumberland University at Newcastle, Alumni Newsletter. Summer 2008.
Presentation Highlights
- Taylor, J. K., Widmann, J., Self, B., Slivovsky, L.A., Field, T. & Martin, L. Foam Wars A presentation at the 38th National Adapted Physical Education Conference (NAPEC); Asilomar, Pacific Grove, CA; November 2009.
- Pebworth, C., Kramer, D., Werner, P. & Taylor, J.K. Let’s Go Geocaching American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) convention; Fort Worth, Texas; April 2008.
- Taylor, J. K., Slivovsky, L.A., Self, B., Widman, J., and Owen, F. Launching the SoloQuad Conversion Project. A presentation at the 37th National Adapted Physical Education Conference (NAPEC); San Diego; November 2008.
- Self, B.P., Slivovsky, L.A., Taylor, J.K., and Widman, J. Access by Design: Capstone Projects to Promote Adapted Physical Activity. National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant for $125,000 in 2008 through the Research to Aid People with Disability (RAPD) program.
- Taylor, J. K., Kwas, B., Ishler, M., Moore, D., & McClean, R. Teaching Badminton. California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) conference, Riverside, CA; March 2008.