Integration is suggested to handle faculty specialization and fragmentation in higher education. First, however, the roots and processes of specialization and fragmentation must be analyzed beginning with relationships among professionalization, problem setting, and paradigmatic communities. An analytical frame of reference emphasizes…

Three papers are presented on the meaning of being ethical in the study of physical activity: (1) "Philosophy of Ethics" (R. S. Kretchmar); (2) "Codes of Ethics: Functions, Form, Structure, Problems, and Possibilities" (W.P. Fraleigh); and (3) "Ethics, Codes, and Behavior" (J.N. Drowatzky). (SM)

Addresses the need for continued assessment of course content and instructional methods employed within physical education teacher education programs to deliver theoretical and applied information from the foundational subdiscipline of exercise physiology, describing an innovative course at one university (Exercise for School-Aged Children) which…

Sketches some future trends of inquiry in adapted physical activity. These include investigation into ethics in adapted physical activity. Empirically based issues of inquiry include physical activity as a dependent measure, diverse and changing populations, theoretical and applied research, nomothetic and idiographic research perspectives,…

This paper investigates how the field of physical education can gain respect within higher education, discussing historical and developmental perspectives in the field of physical education, examining changing alternatives and orientations, looking at lessons that can be learned from the past, and highlighting ways to compete and succeed in…

Discusses the evolving relationship between identity, knowledge, change, and uncertainty in the new times (i.e., the information age), exploring consequences of the new times for physical education in higher education. The broad thesis is that there are particular circumstances in these new times that impact the field of physical education in…

This article reviews research literature on mental practice and preparation for motor performance and research on the effect of specific mental preparation strategies on skilled performance. Strategies discussed include imagery, self-efficacy statements, attentional focus, preparatory arousal, and relaxation. (Author/CJ)

Research on teaching has begun to yield important distinctions between the teaching performances of more effective and less effective teachers. More effective teachers are shown to use a wide variety of teaching behaviors at appropriate times. Teaching behaviors comprising Direct Instruction are most effective for keeping students on task. (JN)

The epistemology of physical education, showing the sources from which physical education draws its theory, is used to address the reciprocal relationship between theory and practice. Models are used to clarify the relationships among various subdisciplines in the field of physical education, and suggestions are offered for a more coordinated…

Makes a case for establishing clear common objectives for physical education (PE) that can provide the basis for future action, suggesting that PE has much to offer society and can be an effective change agent--especially in promoting public health. The paper outlines common objectives for PE and suggestions for change in the schools, colleges and…

Reviews a motivational approach for increasing exercise and decreasing fat consumption to reduce body weight in obese individuals. Exercise motivation includes communicating the physiological benefits and self-regulating exercise intensity. Prudent eating motivation includes stopping restrictive dieting, distinguishing between hunger and craving,…

An overview of multiculturalism and physical education reviews its interpretive perspective, the role of critical social theory in this movement, multiculturalism as a critique of the past and the charge that those in power control education, as a documentation of current practices and a reflection of current social change, and as a source for…

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…

Sargent and other human service professionals have pursued visions of a rational, regulated life, a vision entertained by many professions. The paper critiques the human capital model (which unites these professions and delivery systems), presents a human development perspective, identifies its assumptions, and sketches its life-enabling…

Describes the infusion of a health-related physical fitness education strand into the physical education teacher education curriculum at West Virginia University, also discussing the role of health-related physical fitness in teacher preparation and explaining the infused curricular approach to physical education teacher education (sample infused…