This article explores the potential of video-based strategies to enhance learning in K-12 online physical education (OLPE), namely: video instruction, analysis, and feedback. Video instructions can optimize attention and effectively promote independent practice of motor skills when they are short, focused, and contain expert demonstrations. Video…

Our identity develops with age, and many impacting factors will determine whether it is healthy or unhealthy. A particularly fragile phase of identity development occurs during adolescence when level of motor competence may be influential, yet is rarely considered. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine male and female adolescent's…

Although significant attention has been given to promoting physical activity among children, little attention has been given to the developmental process of how children learn to move or to the changing role that motor skill development plays in children's physical activity levels as they grow. In order to successfully address the obesity…

Confusion exists concerning basic concepts of motor development, understood as the life-long process of change in an individual's movement behaviors. The article presents 10 common misconceptions; each is followed by a clarification of the concept and a practical example. (SM)

Application of the schema theory may assist physical educators in the instruction of motor skills. This article discusses and applies the use of feedback and practice activity variation as methods of facilitating motor schema development. (DF)

Reviews research on the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach in physical education, noting that many discussions of TGfU have focused on cognitive and psychomotor learning outcomes and neglected the affective domain. An extended TGfU model is presented, suggesting new avenues for future research and practice (e.g., consideration of…

Presents a new version of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model in physical education which draws on a situated learning perspective, describing the TGfU approach, reviewing recent research on TGfU, discussing constructs for conceptualizing learning in games, and outlining a situated learning perspective. This perspective is applied to…

Physical education teachers must ensure that students make the connection between skill development and the use of those skills to enhance their personal physical fitness. The article explains how to incorporate fitness concepts and movement activities throughout the lesson plan to develop students' fundamental skills. (SM)

Standard two of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education requires students to use cognitive information to understand and enhance motor skill acquisition and performance. This article provides examples of incorporating the standard into K-12 instruction using units based on balance, fitness, and bicycling. Examples illustrate a…

A theoretical framework for incorporating relaxation instruction in the physical education curriculum is presented based on the assumption that relaxation is a muscular-skeletal skill benefitting general motor skill acquisition. Theoretical principles, a definition of relaxation, and an analysis of stages of skill development are also used in the…

Describes physical and motor development characteristics of children from early childhood to adolescence, and discusses theories of motor skill development with practical applications for parents and teachers. The final section discusses declining fitness levels in children and ways to improve fitness in school-age children. (SLD)

Reviews the theoretical bases and research related to sport and game instruction and sport expertise development. Literature that informs practice on sport and game teaching stems from various perspectives, including studies using an intervention perspective in pedagogy and studies describing the development of sport expertise over time. (SM)

Recreational gymnastics skills for kindergarten through 12th grade students are identified in this guide. An introduction states the rationale for gymnastics, clarifies terms, and supplies equipment and professional development information. The gymnastics skills are broken down into three levels. Skills decribed in the first level include 19…

The concept of mind-body integration is applied to motor learning through the use of a problem-solving approach. Emphasis is on the inherent unity of cognitive and motor ability. Suggestions are given for learning exercises designed to encourage the total mental and physical growth of elementary and secondary school children. The material may also…

Educational gymnastics uses a problem-solving approach to accommodate multiple correct solutions to open-ended movement problems in gymnastics. A four-stage framework is outlined to help teachers systematically increase and decrease task difficulty in educational gymnastics. Answers to common questions about educational gymnastics are provided.…