The emphasis in this collection of research reports is on women athletes, their training, physical characteristics, and mental attitudes. Each article describes a research project on one of these topics, the methodology used to obtain findings, analysis of results, and a summary of applications a teacher or coach may use. (JD)

Discuses three perspectives on literature about children classified as severely subnormal for educational purposes: perceptual motor theories, behavior modification interpretation, and Laban movement. Descriptions of each include investigations, administration, adult participants, observation schedules, teaching processes, and data gathering…

Taking a graduate-level course on family living and human sexuality resulted in increased knowledge for participating teachers, although no changes in overall attitudes were evident. A major finding of a study evaluating course effects was that older teachers tended to be less permissive on controversial issues. (Author/PP)

To plan foundations courses in the year 2000, major social changes must be visualized. Social trends likely to affect physical education and recreation are explored, and educators in these areas are urged to stress development of humanistic qualities in students and to anticipate working in adult and family education settings. (PP)

Curricular expertise is reflected in teachers' abilities to select and convey content appropriate to the learner within a particular contextual setting and situation. The article describes traditional conceptualizations of knowledge and beliefs, focusing on relationships between the two concepts that promote a greater understanding of curricular…

Kounin (1970) defined three aspects of teachers' roles and relationships with students: as instructor, manager, and person. Within each of those roles, the physical educator can learn and practice specific skills to increase effectiveness in the classroom. Self-assessment using Kounin's model can provide valuable insight into personal…

Discusses the use of behavioral assessment for both descriptive and program evaluation purposes. Notes the use of behavioral assessment to study coaching behaviors and their effects on young athletes. Operant and cognitive-behavioral interventions have proven effective in both athletic and psychosocial outcomes. Discusses unresolved issues and…

A fundamental characteristic of a successful physical education program is that the students are interested and motivated to learn the intended objectives. Unfortunately, in many cases, students begin losing interest in physical education as they progress through school. In order to better understand this phenomenon, the authors explored the…

The field of sport and lifestyle management (SLM) includes three major eras which parallel cycles of conflict or stages of growth, development, and decline outlined in research. A review of relevant literature and examination of the situation in both Canada and the United States indicate that in the future SLM should return to a goal of service…

This study investigated the relationship between engagement and achievement for college students in an intermediate swimming class. It also examined this relationship for students who entered the class with different initial skill levels, different previous experience with the subject matter, and for students of different gender. The methodology…

The article presents cross-cultural comparisons of movement purposes and objectives of the Purpose Process Curriculum Framework as viewed by teacher educators in England, Japan, and the United States. Although respondents from each country rated purposes differently, all respondents considered circulo-respiratory efficiency and joy of movement to…

This paper describes and evaluates a gymnastic program for children (ages 4-9) with autism and related developmental disorders. An introductory section reviews the literature on characteristics of children with autism and discusses how traditional education is inadequate for such children. Review of the literature on effective interventions notes…

The relationship between the prestige of physical education graduate departments where faculty obtained their doctorates and the prestige of the institutions where those faculty members are employed was studied. Data indicate that faculty positions at the 20 highest-ranking institutions were open almost exclusively to graduates of those…

Available research from sociocultural sports studies have important information for physical educators about sociological forces which operate in physical education classes and on playing fields. This information can give physical educators a better understanding of the effects of gender and racial stereotyping and cultural differences. (PP)

Contributions of motor skill and cognition to sport performance change across age, expertise, and sports. Knowledge and decision making should not limit the development of expertise. Specific strategies for teachers may help students develop expertise. The paper discusses the contribution of knowledge and skill to expertise and its development.…