A study on the development of the conceptual approach to physical education in the United States of America : focussing on Basic stuff series

Abstract

Recently a number of works concerning the conceptual approach to physical education have appeared in the U.S.A. Among these, the Basic stuff series published by the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance have received particular attention. The purpise of this study was to investigate the aims and principles of the conceptual approach and to examine what factors have influenced its development through the analysis of its social background and theoritical foundations as well as the characteristics of the Basic stuff series. The conceptual approach emphasizes on the learning of basic concepts selected from the body of knowledge in physical education. An acquisition and understanding of these concepts enable individuals to generalize thes learning experience to other learning experiences. It is koown that the conceptual approach enables students to solve problems that they would face in sport and physical exercise. and turther to develop their ability to educate themselves. The follwing factors were considered to have had a main influence on the development of this approach : 1. The educational reform movement in 1960s which placed particular emphasis on science and mathmatics promoted the development of subdisciplines in physical educdtion. The conceptual approach was considered as a way of teaching and learning with the basic concepts derived from the subdisciplines of physical education. 2. The educational reform movement in the 1970s focused particular emphasis on humanistic goal such as to develop self-actualization or the whole human being. Although the main concern was the development of student's affective domain, the development of their cognitive aspect also began to berecognized as another goal of physical education program. 3. The educational reform movement toward the academic excellence in education since the 1980s has highlighted the growing dilemma as to whether physical education can survive in the academic-oriented educational system. Physical education has been forced not only to establish its clear identity, but also to pursue its excellence. In order to prove its excellence, physical education teachers have to be prepared with the body of knowledge in physical education as well as to improve the quality of physical education applying the conceptual approach. It has been recognized that the unique role of physical education is to deal with individual's health and physical fitness. 4. Health and physical fitness have become a serious national concern recently Physical deucation is expected not only to provide all students with the opportunity to exercise properly but also to teach them the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The conceptual approach can give students sound cognitive bases for continuing their self-education throughout their lives.