The minimum competency guidelines in Motor Development described herein at the undergraduate level may be gained in one or more motor development course(s) or through other courses provided in an undergraduate curriculum. The minimum guidelines include: (1) Formulation of a developmental perspective; (2) Knowledge of changes in motor behavior…

Reviews the need for and appropriate use of individual assessment in physical education and explains how computerized data management can combat the logistical difficulties of using the data. Describes project COPE (Computer Organized Physical Education), a computerized data management system for improving recordkeeping, planning, and…

Physical education (PE) teachers need pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) so they can package everything they understand about PE, instruction, students, schools, and communities. The article discusses PCK and its development, describes an integrated PCK model for a tactical approach to games teaching, and offers advice to help teachers develop…

With the teaching for understanding approach, physical education teachers can modify standard game skills to help low-skilled secondary school students focus on the important concepts and strategies shared by all net games. The paper explains how to use the teaching for understanding approach in physical education. (SM)

Presents guideposts for thinking about teaching and teacher education in light of recent research on expertise in teaching, particularly teaching in physical education. The paper critiques the concept of expertise, suggesting the term virtuoso as a more appropriate term for teaching expertly. Implications of the redefinition are presented. (SM)

Although there have been no documented cases of HIV transmission during athletic competition, the possibility exists. The use of universal precaution procedures reduces risk of HIV transmission. Athletic coaches and physical educators need training about such universal precautions to ensure student and staff safety. The article describes the…

All students benefit from physical education, but equipment used in mainstream programs often is not appropriate for students with special needs. Equipment adaptation is necessary to improve students' opportunities for successful participation in class. The article describes how to create and finance adapted equipment and offers a resource list.…

A course in Exercise Physiology is a common requirement among undergraduate students preparing for a career in physical education, adult fitness, or athletic training. Often, such courses are taught to an assortment of students from a variety of disciplines (Van Donselaar & Leslie, 1990) with an emphasis on physiological principles applied to…

The manual was developed to assist Ohio local school personnel in meeting the needs of physically handicapped children. An initial chapter reviews federal and state laws and administrative rules. A chapter on evaluation and individualized education program development covers personnel, evaluation types, and sample procedures. Program…

The introduction to this curriculum guide for junior-senior high school level physical education programs describes the rationale and philosophy of the programs, their goals, and expected learner outcomes. Planning, teaching, and evaluating the programs is discussed as well as administrative details such as maintaining facilities and equipment,…

This guide contains a motor development diagnostic survey for the use of elementary physical education teachers and classroom teachers. These tests enable teachers to identify specific perceptual motor problems of students. A description is given of activities to be used in establishing individualized instructional programs for remedial purposes.…

Educational gymnastics uses a problem-solving approach to accommodate multiple correct solutions to open-ended movement problems in gymnastics. A four-stage framework is outlined to help teachers systematically increase and decrease task difficulty in educational gymnastics. Answers to common questions about educational gymnastics are provided.…

Presents a checklist for evaluating physical education settings which include students with special needs. The checklist has questions about facilities, equipment, class organization, content, and teacher behavior. "Yes" answers indicate factors contributing to a safe environment; "no" answers indicate the potential to cause physical,…

Lists several common physical fitness exercises that may cause more harm than good (both physically and emotionally). Physical educators must be aware of the dangers of certain exercises and activities. The article examines problems with inappropriate warmups, peer team selection, exercise as punishment, elimination games, and standing in line.…

Addresses three issues regarding developmentally appropriate physical education: what it means; what teachers must know (change occurs in an orderly, sequential fashion and is age and experience related); and how teachers can implement it (be skilled observers of movement and be clear about the purpose of the task). (SM)