Discusses the evolution and structure of fitness programs for women at the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1977-87. Women's fitness level has continued to improve, although curriculum and physical fitness tests have remained the same for both sexes. (SM)

Sport psychology researchers study the relationship between anxiety and athletic performance. The paper reviews conceptual and methodological issues in the research, examining the inverted-U hypothesis, multidimensional anxiety theory, and catastrophe theory. Research suggests moving beyond the inverted-U and investigating more complete theories…

Argues that physical education can provide powerful contributions to an integrated curriculum approach. Explains how the theme of human interaction links social studies and physical education. Provides suggestions for integrating the two subjects in the primary grades, the middle elementary grades, and the upper elementary grades. (CFR)

Reviews various approaches to physical education curriculum work. Identifies limitations of the objectives approach and highlights limitations through a literature review and a case study, which examines practical consequences of institutionalizing an objectives approach. The paper suggests that the notion of curriculum work as craft presents an…

The articles published in the "Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science" (MPEES) journal over the first 10 volumes were categorized by content area and methodology. The authors have offered opinions here concerning the changes observed over the 10-year period, the areas that are well-represented, and other potential areas of research…

A critique is presented of naturalistic inquiry as a scholarly activity or as an alternative research paradigm directed toward extending knowledge of physical education curriculum and instruction. Four questions are posed: (1) What is the value perspective of naturalistic inquiry? (2) What are the phenomena of interest? (3) What are the…

This article presents an analysis of validity issues in curriculum theory and practice concerning the research into the Purpose Process Curriculum Framework purpose dimension. (CB)

A brief review of the changes in required physical education curricula and the profession between the late nineteenth century and the present leads to the argument that the field must re-emphasize a sound understanding of its philosophic base if it is to win true professional status. (CB)

This literature review points out physical discipline problems and their implications to physical education. Topics discussed include: (1) parent, community, and educator attitudes about discipline; (2) special discipline problems in physical education classes; (3) discipline approaches; and (4) special problem behaviors. (CB)

Teacher and student behavior, feedback, principles of motor learning, task analysis, and the qualitative paradigm as they relate to physical education are discussed. This new knowledge and a new generation of teacher educators/researchers should improve the quality of instruction in the school gymnasia. (MT)

Students, faculty, and administrators often hold assumptions about graduate study in physical education that may not accurately reflect the facts. Values and maxims surrounding graduate programs must be clarified. These assumptions should be explicit and should be shared to produce a scholarly atmosphere. (Author/PP)

A series of articles discusses the development of ballet instruction in secondary and higher education, beginning ballet in high school and in college, teaching techniques, ballet for visually handicapped students, and methods for the prevention of injuries in beginning students. (JN)

Influential factors on the elementary students' proficiency in the fundamental skill of catching include: ball size, ball and background color, ball velocity, adjustive movements, and trajectory angle. (CJ)

Model proposes that young people's perceived autonomy support in physical education will affect their perceived locus of causality, intentions, and physical activity behavior in leisure time. Results support the trans-contextual model indicating that perceived autonomy support in an educational context influences motivation in a leisure-time…

A review of eight studies that focus on physical education curriculums and programs illustrated a variety of research approaches in the areas of curriculum development, collaborative program development, program description, development process description, and program evaluation. (IAH)