ERIC Number: EJ863535
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Nov
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-6297
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Available Date: N/A
Relocating from Easy Street: Strategies for Moving Physical Education Forward
Bulger, Sean M.; Housner, Lynn
Quest, v61 n4 p442-469 Nov 2009
There is broad consensus in the literature that despite dramatic gains in the knowledge-base regarding best practice in teaching, teacher education, and related pockets of effective programming in the schools, the majority of physical education programs are in disarray. In a recent article, Kretchmar (2006) referred to this dilemma as life on "Easy Street" with most physical education programs being characterized by short instructional units that afford students little chance to develop the knowledge, skills, fitness, or positive dispositions needed to maintain a physically active lifestyle. At best this approach entertains students and informs them about the health benefits associated with regular physical activity while providing limited opportunities to experience these benefits and achieve significant learning or personal growth. In the present article we propose that the problem is a complex one and as such requires a multidimensional approach to making substantive and meaningful change in school physical education. The metaphor of relocating physical education from "Easy Street" is used to delineate strategies that can be employed by teachers, teacher educators, and professional organizations to make this change possible. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Physical Education, Physical Activities, Teacher Educators, Teaching Methods, Best Practices, Teacher Education, Life Style, Professional Development, Professional Associations, Educational Strategies, Physical Education Teachers
Human Kinetics, Inc. 1607 North Market Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 800-474-4457; Fax: 217-351-1549; e-mail: info@hkusa.com; Web site: http://www.humankinetics.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; High Schools; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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