Development Of Physical Skills Research Articles

The impact of playground design on the play behaviors of children with differing levels of physical competence

The impact of the outdoor learning environment on the play behaviors and peer relationships of 8 second-grade children with differing levels of physical competence was investigated using a qualitative case study approach. Subject selection was based on performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Settings for the study were playgrounds of contrasting design: one emphasizing exercise play, the other providing various play options in addition to exercise. Grounded theory procedures were used to analyze observation and interview data. Results indicated that playground design influenced subjects' social as well as physical skill development by facilitating or constraining the strategies they used to manage their play with peers. A theoretical model was developed to describe interrelationships among playground design, physical competence and peer relationships. Features of each playground are discussed relative to the opportunities they provided for the physical and social development of subjects with high or with low physical competence.

Adolescent Goal Profiles, Perceptions of the Parent-Initiated Motivational Climate, and Competitive Trait Anxiety

The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of task- and ego-orientation on adolescents’ perceptions of the parent-initiated motivational climate and competitive trait anxiety. Participants were 279 male and female adolescents (mean age = 14.41 years) who competed on organized sport teams. Based on a mean split on the two TEOSQ subscales, four goal orientation profile groups were created: high-task/high-ego, high-task/low-ego, high-ego/low-task, and low-task/low-ego. MANOVA results indicated that the high-task/low-ego group perceived that both their mother and father endorsed a learning and enjoyment motivational climate. In contrast, the high-ego/low-task group thought their mother and father valued a climate where success was coupled with low effort. In this group, fathers were perceived to cause worry about making mistakes. This group experienced the highest levels of competitive trait anxiety. For the high-task/high-ego group it was found that fathers emphasized a climate where success was linked to low levels of exerted effort and mothers were perceived to cause worry about making mistakes. However, the high-task/high-ego group also believed that both parents still valued learning and enjoyment in the development of physical skills. Lastly, individuals in the low-task/low-ego group perceived mothers to make them afraid of making mistakes in the learning of skills.

Algunas premisas metodologicas y conceptuales sobre el desarrollo de los movimientos en el primer año de vida (0–12 meses)

Society today is characterised by a lessening in motor activity among the population, who, because of the scientific and technical revolution, use mental rather than physical skills in their day to day work. Recognising that a sound physical development is essential to the development of all round personality, the study examines the emergence in Cuban children in institutions in 5 provinces, of principle (P) and secondary (S) movements in children in the first year of life. The literature on the subject is examined. 35 examples of the observed movements are listed, out of which an integrated programme of activity has been developed, to assist in the development of physical skills, which will lead to the possibility of children reaching their full potential physically, as well as becoming a well rounded personalities.

Sport and Physical Skill Development in Elementary Schools: An Overview

2 of the most crucial developmental tasks for children in American elementary schools are coming to terms with their physical development and the acquisition of physical skills commensurate with children of their same chronological age. Physical development and the acquisition of physical skills go far beyond frivolous play. Both are important components of self-concept development in children and youth. Physical skill development at an elite level in the world of organized sport has the potential for good or evil depending on the perspective taken by the student/athlete and coaches, teachers, and school administrators. Additionally, we discuss the value of free play versus adult-organized activities for children in regard to the social and psychological outcomes of these activities.