The purpose of this paper was to discuss the importance of using socially appropriate language regarding disability and to discuss the role of physical educators and coaches regarding its use. Examples are provided of how to foster socially appropriate language within a school context relative to students and school personnel, as well as parents…

There is a good argument that in order to truly understand the influences that shape child motor development, one must consider environmental influences that reflect the multilevel ecological contexts that interact with the changing biological characteristics of the child. Although there are theories typically associated with motor development…

There is every reason to believe that a new "principal principle" of physical activity education is emerging. In this article, the author talks about the new "principal principle"(#14) of physical education. Revisiting a historical milestone in the field's history to explain the origin of the term "principal principle," Dr. Arthur H. Steinhaus,…

This article explains the impact federal legislation has on educating students with disabilities, the changing roles of physical educators and school counselors relative to educating students with disabilities, and collaborative approaches pertaining to how physical educators and school counselors can collaboratively foster successful inclusion of…

Current demographics in the United States have made issues pertaining to social justice central to the evolution of physical education as a discipline. With this knowledge, the time to refocus efforts in respect to ensuring equity regardless of ability, race, class, gender, sexuality, or religion has arrived. This article provides information on…

Spirituality is a fundamental, everyday life process involving a joy of living, sacrifice and love for others, and a connection to self, others, nature, and to a larger meaning or purpose. Distinct from moral or religious beliefs, spirituality engages interactively with the psyche, body, and sociocultural setting to influence human functioning,…

Physical education represents an area of the middle school curriculum that has the potential to impact adolescents' developing knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in positive and meaningful ways that may endure across the lifespan. Despite the well-documented benefits of engaging in regular physical activity (e.g., American Heart…

The purpose of this article is to describe the steps to the development of a successful Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) workshop. PETE professors share a common goal for improving undergraduate pedagogy instruction. Pedagogy issues and concerns include curriculum decisions, field experience assignments, technology in the classroom,…

Academic departments in kinesiology and physical education have historically struggled with the important issue of interdisciplinary collaboration in the areas of teaching, research, and service. The resultant lack of coherence can prove problematic as undergraduates attempt to complete the often difficult transition from student to professional…

The purpose of this study was to identify practicing physical education teacher's perspectives regarding the adapted physical education curriculum of their respective Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) programs, and to explore how their preparation programs have affected their feelings of competence and confidence when teaching students…

Much attention is paid in education to assessing teaching effectiveness. Collegiate textbooks, professional development workshops, and professional journals overflow with indicators of this trait. An underlying assumption is that a primary task of teachers and coaches is to identify, develop, and reduce areas of weakness in their student athletes…

The ability to shape appropriate behavior while extinguishing misbehavior is critical to teaching and learning in physical education. The scientific principles that affect student learning in the gymnasium also apply to the methods teachers use to influence social behaviors. Research indicates that reinforcement strategies are more effective than…

Socialization can take place through participation in sports since sports provide a microcosm for living and society. The structure of social relations in sports influences the participants' development of social skills. Researchers have strived to answer whether sports provides a positive outlet for, or teaches and reinforces, aggression. This…

Simplicity, as espoused by American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, is a method of removing unnecessary obstacles, a tangible means to attain a higher life, one of crystallization and transcendence. A complex profession such as coaching stands to greatly benefit from this concept. The purpose of this paper is to apply simplicity to coaching. A…

Tennessee Tech offers a graduate level analysis and supervision of teaching course that includes a practicum experience for prospective and practicing teacher supervisors and mentors. This practicum coincides with an undergraduate pedagogy practicum in order to provide opportunities for students to enhance supervisory and mentoring skills. The…