For a better physical education

This book examines the effective teaching, objectives, directions and future development of the physical education course. It is aimed at PE teachers who dream of a better PE, who are enthusiastic about the subject, who try and give their best every day regardless of the good or bad conditions of infrastructure and organisation in their schools. The topics discussed in the book are the philosophy and purposes of PE, ways of motivating students, rewards and punishments, discipline, developing a positive classroom climate, equity issues, and special emphasis is placed on teaching styles. Also developed are: issues of attitudes towards PE, lesson organisation through a programme of objectives, and the use of psychological techniques, such as self-confidence, mental practice, concentration, stress control and life skills, for more effective learning in PE and all other subjects. These topics are useful for all disciplines of teachers. Particular emphasis is placed on issues of exercise and health, the relationship between PE and healthy and unhealthy behaviours, the role of the family in adopting healthy behaviours in children, as well as the development of health education lessons. Particular examples of interventions in schools to stop smoking, control aggressive behaviour, control stress, and healthy eating are developed. The final chapters develop themes, examine the methodology of research in physical education, and finally set the tone for the future of the course. All topics are approached through contemporary theories of psychology, pedagogy, methodological teaching, and through numerous examples and problems that teachers face daily in their schools. For the authors of this book, physical education should be both enjoyable and instructive at the same time, imparting to students a positive philosophy about life in general.