Incorporating Middle School Students' Insights to Determine Appropriate Curricula in Physical Education

Abstract

Curriculum innovation is normally driven by what is thought to be philosophically sound. The value orientation of curriculum development is typically based on teacher reflection as opposed to student opinion. Recently, studies have begun to examine the student's interests, likes, dislikes and values as a precursor to curriculum development. This coupled with the impact of physical activity involvement and its importance to one's health (USSDHS, 1996) presents physical educators with an enormous challenge. Based on the historical approach to curriculum development, students would only be presented with those activities believed to make the greatest longterm impact. This runs a tremendous risk of failing due to the likes and dislikes of children which may result in children who are inactive and consequently unhealthy. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine what middle school students believed were the most important objectives for Physical Education. It was concluded that what is reported in the literature as the most important objectives of Physical Education don't necessarily match the children's thoughts. it was also found that the objectives of Physical Education change with age. it was also concluded that those who are taught might provide valuable insight into a more appropriate content or possibly even a change in the teaching methodology.