Background: Teaching games for understanding (TGfU) has stimulated so much attention, research and debate since the 1980s that it is easy for its origins to become refracted and misunderstood. For example, in a recent edition of the "Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy" journal there was paper arguing a constraints-led approach (CLA)…

Scholars have sought to identify the complexity and multidimensionality of the phenomenon of sexual identity formation since the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973 (Bayer, 1981). This article addresses the manner in which the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer [LGBTQ]…

Several approaches to teaching games as part of the physical education curriculum are discussed. Details are provided of a tactical/strategy based approach in which students become familiar with the nature of the game as well as learn specific skills (IAH)

This article clarifies the concept of the nature of play for professional purposes. Evolutionary and biosocial analysis of play behavior is advanced and associated with current cultural views of play. Suggestions on how a culture can positively satisfy human play needs are offered. (Author/DF)

Physical educators should be selective in deciding what games to include in the games curriculum. Several theoretical frameworks for selecting and teaching games are discussed, and a framework for developing a well-balanced games program is suggested. (IAH)

The uniqueness and importance of physical education in the middle school years are expounded upon by various speakers. The roles of games, physical development, and sports are explored to determine activities specifically pertinent to middle school students and their needs. Problems that physical education teachers may face with middle school…

A discussion was held on movement education on the opening day of the 1981 conference on Contemporary Elementary and Middle School Physical Education at Georgia State University. A precis is given of the questions considered--what is movement education, what is the status of movement education as a trend, and what is the future of movement…

Six papers address critical thinking within the physical education (PE) setting, discussing it from a variety of perspectives and providing practical suggestions for use in PE curricula. The articles identify four areas of critical thinking performance relevant to PE and examine critical thinking at the elementary, middle, and secondary school…

Physical activities, games, teaching methods, sports, and other topics concerning the physical education of students from kindergarten to eighth grade are discussed in this collection of 33 papers. (CJ)

Physical activities, games, sports, teaching methods, and other topics concerning the physical education of students from kindergarten through eighth grade are discussed in this collection of 40 papers. (CJ)