Discusses the enhancement of student motivation within secondary school physical education classes, focusing on the impact of student perceptions of learning environment upon motivation levels, perceptions students hold regarding their own abilities, meanings they attach to the concept of achievement, and strategies to enhance motivation. (SM)

Presents Flow Theory as a theoretical model to help those who work with children in physical activity environments better understand how to motivate children to become and remain physically active. Explains why children participate in and drop out of physical activities, what Flow Theory is, how to tap into flow experiences, and implications for…

Describes three main factors that influence girls' perceived efficacy regarding elementary physical education: the teacher (T), the learning environment (L), and the curriculum (C). When these factors are combined in a pedagogically sound manner, girls are more likely to respond by exhibiting better perceived efficacy. The teacher's role is the…

Asked undergraduate students' opinions of Descartes' belief that the mind and body are separate, then had them conduct action research projects examining whether the mind-body dilemma might be overcome if teachers valued the essential nature of play and applied it to sport and physical education. Results supported the hypothesis that physical…

Evaluated barriers to participation in physical activity by American Indian elementary school students. Data from interviews, observations, and surveys indicated that barriers at school included lack of facilities, equipment, and trained staff people for physical education. Weather conditions, safety concerns, and homework/chores were also…

Examined relationships between physical factors, psychological factors, gender, and age in middle school physical education (PE) students. Data on PE alienation, perceived competency toward physical fitness (PCf) and physical activity (PCp), and various fitness and strength measures indicated that gender and PCf significantly predicted fitness.…

The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) is a direct observation system specifically developed for use during physical education (PE; McKenzie, 1991; McKenzie, Sallis, & Nader, 1991). The purpose of this study was to validate the estimates of time spent in various physical activity intensities obtained with the paper and pencil…

Studies show that childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Today, more than 23 million American children--or nearly one in every three--are overweight or obese. If childhood obesity is left unaddressed, a generation of individuals could face health, social, and economic challenges that promise to stress government…

This teacher resource focuses on athletic (track and field) skills. It includes various skills and activities that are designed to promote learning opportunities and motivate Alberta (Canada) students to run, jump, and throw. It emphasizes the physical skills that form the basis of the track and field events in the 8th IAAF World Championships in…

This report provides statewide data on Wisconsin middle and high school health education curriculum and policy. All regular public secondary schools were included in the school sampling frame. Data were collected via surveys of principals and lead health teachers regarding tobacco, physical education and activity, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, violence,…

A four-part taxonomy was used to analyze first-, third-, and fifth-grade children's ability to throw and to anticipate the position of a target. The children's performances were assessed under conditions in which both the thrower and the target were stationary, both were moving, and one was moving and the other stationary. (Authors/PP)

Examines the influence of media use on youth adiposity, dietary habits, and physical activity levels, noting that children and adolescents are increasingly turning to sedentary leisure time activities, which is leading to decreased physical activity levels, increased body mass index, and increased high- energy food intake. Current and future…

This study assessed the validity of the Children's Physical Activity Form, an observational instrument which measures the intensity of children's physical activity, by comparing observer judgments of subjects' (N=40) activity intensity level with min-by-min heart rate values. Results document the validity of the instrument for observing physical…

This article discusses the relationship between exercise, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Data is presented from a study of 300 British children which indicated surprisingly low levels of physical activity, with significant differences occurring along age and gender lines. (IAH)

Research data on American youth physical fitness is inconclusive and insufficient to effectively compare past and present levels of activity (a component of fitness), although conclusive evidence does show more body fat. Intervention strategies for creating lifelong patterns of activity are discussed and positions of major medical associations are…