The idea of actively involving children in the learning process can be beneficial for both teacher and student on a number of levels. Allowing students in physical education class to make choices has been incorporated into elementary-age teaching successfully. As a way to invite students to become more active participants in their learning,…

The typical physical education class period consists of a number of instructional activities linked together by brief transitory phases, or transitions (e.g., lining up, identifying teams, handing out equipment, etc.). Transitions can challenge even the most experienced physical educators, because without good classroom management, transitions can…

Although there is a variety of literature that offers adaptations and teaching suggestions for paddling with individuals who have physical disabilities, only a few address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities (Gullion, 2009; Zeller, 2009). Developmental disabilities refer to a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are…

Quick response codes (or QR codes) are similar to bar codes, except that a QR code has the ability to handle more characters, requires one 10th of the space, has error-correction capacity, and can be read from any direction. These codes are used in manufacturing, shipping, and marketing, as well as in education. QR codes can be created to produce…

Within the objectives of the "Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs" (CSPAP) and the "Let's Move in School Initiative" (LMIS), the PA leaders (PE teachers) strive to instill the knowledge, skills, and confidence that help their students be physically active for a lifetime. PA leaders strive to involve family and…

The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for physical activity-integrated lessons for classroom teachers, provide strategies for effective integration, and encourage physical education teachers to be an additional resource and an advocate for physical activity in their schools. (Contains 5 online resources.)

Demand for self-defense instruction has found its way to school settings at all levels. Classes are more prevalent on college campuses than ever before because students and administrators acknowledge the value of such instruction. As a point of reference, half of 16 University of North Carolina (UNC) schools and universities offer a course in…

The coaching profession demands a high level of accountability and responsibility for the coach. Challenged to achieve success on the scoreboard and promote the positive personal growth of the athlete, a coach seeks guidance from their coaching philosophy. A coaching philosophy is built on a set of standards by which a coach influences, teaches,…

Physical and sport educators who incorporate cultural negotiation acknowledge that their teaching, routines, and plans for learning encompass a cultural act. In today's society, culture-free teaching or learning is nonexistent. Education is woven into the fabric of nearly every group; therefore, recognizing the impact of cultural norms on the…

The mission of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has three parts: (1) to establish high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do; (2) to develop and operate a national, voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet these standards; and (3) to advance related…

A common theme throughout physical education pedagogical literature is that interdisciplinary lessons can provide effective ways to help evidence that physical education can play a role in student learning in other disciplines (Fingon, 2011; Graham, Holt-Hale, & Parker, 2010; Lynott, 2008; Mohnsen, 2011). Educational scholars have also…

Many physical educators are aware of the impact the tightening fiscal climate has on physical education programs at all levels. Shrinking resources have generated a need to protect and promote the quality of physical education programs in this country. Additionally, administrators need to be proactive when attempting to target physical education…

Part I of Kick, Glide, Pole! Cross-Country Skiing Fun, which was published in last issue, discussed how to select cross-country ski equipment, dress for the activity and the biomechanics of the diagonal stride. Part II focuses on teaching the diagonal stride technique and begins with a progression of indoor activities. Incorporating this fun,…

In the last year, two prominent, famous, and revered coaches, Jim Tressel and Joe Paterno, committed disastrous lapses of ethics. Both coaches preached that sport and athletics build character. They either taught ethics or leadership courses at their institutions or were exemplars of ethical behavior in their personal and professional lives. Both…

The increased diversity of today's students included in P-12 physical education classes creates new challenges in behavior management for physical education teachers. Currently more students with identified at-risk behaviors, as well as more students with physical or mental disabilities, are placed in general physical education classes. This…