This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study evaluating the social quality of school physical education in Flanders. Drawing on a nine-question survey, it explores the expectations and experiences of 124 respondents from different social, educational and workforce agencies and organisations with regard to important objectives of high…

This review has been prompted by concerns and anecdotal stories about low levels of fitness amongst today's young people and the possible consequences of this for their current and future health. Solutions to the "problem" have included proposals to fitness test children and to use this information to improve their health status. While…

The use of educational technologies in teaching and learning presents pedagogical concerns and challenges to educators. Combining multimedia technologies with the Web has created new possibilities for the development of instructional materials to deliver course content. However, this use of technology continues to represent traditional conceptions…

The Blacksburg (Virginia) municipal government's worksite exercise program, developed in response to rising health insurance premiums, was evaluated to determine its effect on health care costs and employee absenteeism. Thirty-two employees who participated in the program for 4.5 years were compared to 32 nonparticipating employees. The program…

For the past 50 years, poor physical health of adolescents has been a concern in the U.S. The obesity rate has tripled from 5% in 1980 to 15% in 2000. With more emphasis placed on high stakes standardized tests, the priority of physical education classes has taken a back seat. Based on a survey done in 2003, slightly more than half of the states…

This article describes a modular approach to facilitating learning of health/fitness concepts by elementary students. The module helps students learn to assess their fitness, emphasizing the importance of lifetime activity. By helping students become more interested in health through visual and practical applications, teachers can enhance positive…

In this study researchers conducted exercise testing, collected data on demographics and physical activity, analyzed data by gender and major, and compared results with data on nonphysical education majors. The paper presents the results by category. (SM)

This study examined what preservice teachers found surprising about their field experience. Seventy-two preservice teachers completed an open-ended questionnaire during the final field experience seminar of the academic term. Data were content analyzed using inductive coding. Four themes of surprises emerged. The preservice teachers were (a)…

In today's society, young children have few experiences with aerobic activities, a pattern of exercise traditionally reserved for adults. This paper discusses how aerobic exercises can be used in a preschool environment, arguing that such activities are best presented using a thematic approach so that young children can form impressions about…

The "Missouri Framework for Curriculum Development" is designed to provide school districts with a "frame" for building curricula based on the "Show Me Standards." The 73 "Show Me Standards" define what students should know and be able to do by the time they graduate from Missouri's public high schools. This…

This report summarizes recommendations for encouraging physical activity among young people so they will continue to engage in physical activity into adulthood. Written by the Centers for Disease Control and national experts, the guidelines include recommendations about 10 aspects of school and community programs to promote lifelong physical…

Teachers in a large, urban school district created Wellness Wednesday, a program in which students invite family members and school staff members to join them every other Wednesday for an aerobic workout. The article describes how the program works and notes successful program ideas. (SM)

Research shows that parks and recreation services provide people with opportunities that have substantial positive health effects, resulting in massive public-health cost savings. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and collaborate is critical for leisure services professionals. Recreation and parks must be reconceptualized to remain…

Reports a study that examined the physical activity habits of African-American college freshmen at a historically African-American institution. Self-report measures of physical activity and assessment of height and weight indicated males were more active than females. Overall, the students, especially females, had low physical activity levels. (SM)

In this study we examined the interrelationship among extrinsic rewards and achievement goals (including a work-avoidance goal), competence beliefs, and task values associated with health-enhancing running tasks over a school year. A group of elementary school students (n = 119) from a program that promoted running for running's sake and another…