Physical activity programs at the college level should aim toward: (1) maintenance of physical fitness; (2) refinement of skills; (3) introduction to new skills; and (4) development of healthy lifestyles. Innovative activity courses such as aerobic dance, weight lifting, and adventure programs are also being offered to reach these goals. (JN)

Examines previous research on the motivational implications of emphasizing task- versus ego-involved goals in various achievement situations endemic to sports programs and in the context of physical education, proposing that students' and athletes' task involvement should be fostered in order to enhance their motivation to engage in physical…

Discusses strategies and techniques for communicating physical education and physical activity-related messages to local school boards, noting that without their support, efforts to promote physical education and healthful activity will be difficult. The paper includes three sections: positioning the argument, persevering in the message, and…

Study examined the relationship of student characteristics to divergent movement ability in elementary school students, noting the combined effect of physical education content and specific teaching styles on one component of critical thinking in the psychomotor domain. Students' ability to generate different movement patterns improved when they…

Early childhood motor activity programs at institutions of higher learning can operate within the tripartite mission of the university while serving a vital function in providing leadership and guidance to educators. This article describes the University of Northern Iowa's Kindergym model. Within this model, curricular areas of games/sports,…

This study examined the effectiveness of an intervention to increase levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during girls' physical education lessons. Two Year 7 classes (age 11-12 years) were randomly appointed to control and experimental groups. Both followed the same six-lesson unit of gymnastics with identical lesson…

This study aimed to identify factors in school physical and social environments that may facilitate or compete with programs and policies to improve student physical activity and nutrition. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with students, faculty, and staff of two public middle schools. Participants identified numerous aspects of the…

There has been increased interest in the development and implementation of physical activity interventions designed to increase young people's physical activity participation in recent years. This is perhaps founded on concerns over youngsters' physical activity levels and the possible health consequences. School-based interventions are the most…

The unique features of physical activity and play highlight it as a constructive context for attaining behavioral goals such as self-control and social skills. Strenuous activity, competition, adherence to rules, team play, frustration and joy are all characteristics inherent in sport that make it a perfect "school for life". This paper presents a…

This book provides teachers and recreation professionals with a guide to Project Adventure activities and curriculum. Project Adventure learning goals are: (1) increasing the participant's personal confidence; (2) increasing mutual support within a group; (3) improving agility and physical coordination; (4) increasing joy in one's physical self…

These physical education standards were designed to ensure that each student achieve the following goals: (1) physical activity--students develop interest and proficiency in movement skills and understand the importance of lifelong participation in daily physical activity; (2) physical fitness and wellness--students increase understanding of basic…

This teaching guide for motor development in the primary grades describes various areas of concern in motor development and suggests activities for the development of young children in each area. Section I discusses the importance of motor development. The next six sections define and describe particular areas of motor development and suggest…

The fundamentals of exercise physiology (the study of the physiological effects of bodily exertion) form the basis for this booklet designed for teachers of physical education. The scientific principles underlying the building of muscular strength and flexibility are described and illustrated. Topics covered include: (1) muscular strength,…

This booklet is intended for the use of physical education teachers of children from nine through twelve years of age. Examples of instructional activities are provided that are based upon the fundamental concepts of exercise physiology, kinesiology, motor development, motor learning, the social/psychological aspects of movement, and movement in…

In these sessions an attempt was made to analyze the profession of physical education for identification of the elements and reasons for diversification and to synthesize through establishing relationships among various subdisciplines. Attention was focused on the relationships that exist among emerging subdisciplines in physical education and on…