The Role of Physical Education in Schools - Research Paper Example

Current Trends in Education: The Role of Physical Education in Schools Abstract The objective of this research paper is to determine the role of physical education in schools; particularly proffering on the effectiveness, extent and the value that schools place in incorporating physical education in their curriculum. Current Trends in Education: The Role of Physical Education in Schools Schools are the primary place where children learn. Schools, as educational institutions provide the basic foundations to make choices in life. Epstein in his article, “Why Do We Send Our Children to School averred that “the foundational three "R's" should empower them to be Righteous, Responsible and Reverent, as well as competitive in the market place.” (Epstein 2008 par. 7) However, school curriculum should not be confined to teaching academic subjects that hone the students’ intellectual skills. The personality and behavior of an individual is developed through absorbing diverse issues that shape their needs, preferences and actions. Individuals do not exist in a nutshell; they interact, relate, and behave in specific manners which eventually affect their health. The schools’ curriculum should include subjects which promote health and physical education to enforce correct behavioral patterns at a young age and continue this positive reinforcement until adulthood. Therefore, health promotion and physical education in the schools is of critical importance. The objective of this research paper is to determine the role of physical education in schools; particularly proffering on the effectiveness, extent and the value that schools place in incorporating physical education in their curriculum. The Role of Physical Education Physical education is a mandatory course promoting physical activity and sports mostly from grades 1 to 6. The objectives of physical education classes are teaching to ensure physical fitness, promoting regular exercises, and presenting nutrition and health subjects. The US Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has emphasized the importance of physical activity in the prevention of diseases, especially chronic illness. According to the study, “regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality from many chronic diseases” (US DHHS 2002 p.2). In addition, individuals who regularly engage in physical activity contribute to a decrease in health care costs, meaning, they buy lesser medications, make lesser medical consultations, and have fewer hospital stays. Further, the direct effects of physical activity to improved health have been enumerated in their own study done in 1996 on physical activity and health, as quoted below: “reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease and other conditions; reduces the risk of developing diabetes; reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure; reduces blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure; reduces the risk of developing colon and breast cancer; helps to maintain a healthy weight; helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; helps older adults to become stronger and better able to move about without falling; reduces feelings of depression and anxiety; and promotes psychological well-being (US DHHS 1996) Through regular physical activity, those experiencing depression and anxiety will get the opportunity to refocus their thoughts on the benefits of physical fitness; thereby preventing mental disorders. A curriculum which incorporates physical education would provide students the information of combining a good nutritious diet with regular physical exercise. This would prevent the tendency for young people to develop overweight and obesity. Another relevant discourse on the importance of physical education was presented by Shilstone (2004) who discussed that there is a current trend of de-emphasizing Physical Education courses in high school. The consequences of this move are: young adults failing fitness exams, prevalence of soft drinks in schools, playgrounds not being fully utilized for sports and physical activities. Status of Physical Education in Schools According to Sanders (2008), “physical education classes are mandatory in the majority of states. Thirty-six states require physical education for elementary school students; thirty-three states for middle school and junior high students; and forty-two states for high school students” (par. 1). The increasing legal liabilities that schools encounter due to sports-related injuries made inclusion of physical education in the curriculum a state matter. The reasons why school administrators are apprehensive to enforce the inclusion of physical education in their curriculum is (1) the fear of facing liabilities from sports-related accidents that physical education courses could bring; (2) inadequate training on the part of teachers for these courses; and (3) limitations of time. Teachers are directly involved in inculcating the theoretical background, concepts and applications required for physical education courses. Currently, some schools are able to accord one to two day workshops for relevant topics to update teachers on the current status of physical education concerns. Unfortunately, these workshops are not adequate to make the teachers qualified and competent in these fields. Constant educational development is needed on advanced topics to enable to teachers to be abreast in trends on physical education. Conclusion For topics which affect the very existence of an individual, it would be unfair to delegate the responsibility of teaching only to the teachers in schools. As mentioned earlier, parents can be involved through assignments which can be taken home for reinforced learning skills on physical health related topics. More importantly, health care practitioners in the community can participate by providing first hand experiences through seminars and workshops. State authorities have greater responsibilities in promoting the significance of health and physical education courses in schools by providing funds and resources (for physical and health facilities) which can be utilized by students and teachers, alike, in their quest to better improve health and physical education. Schools are not better off taking physical education subject out of their curriculum and should not delegate responsibilities of promoting good health only to a local health organization, as evidenced by the enormous benefits of health promotion and encouraging physical activities. The responsibility of looking after ones health is shared by the person himself, his family, and local community. The emergences of issues pertinent to physical education make health the concern, not only by a nation, but on a global scale. References Epstein, B. (2008) “Why Do We Send Our Children to School?” Chabad.org. Retrieved on 30 June 2010 from Sanders, H. (2008). School Liability: The Danger of Mandatory Physical Education Classes. Journal of Law and Education. Retrieved on 30 June 2010 from Shilstone, M. (2004). The Importance Of Physical Education. Health and Wellness. Retrieved on 30 June 2010 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002). Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Retrieved on 30 June 2010 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1996). Physical activity and health: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health. Read More