Physical Education Philosophy Paper

By Drew Wheeler

Physical Education is an important part of students overall development. Mind and body

work together in order for a person to function at the highest levels. Training the body will help

students in every other aspect of education.

When teaching P.E., standards and objectives should be stated clearly accompanied by

activities that help meet those standards and objectives. Assessment by observation is helpful in

order to give immediate feedback to students so activities can be carried out with proper form

and effectiveness.

Goal setting should involve the students in order to give them ownership of their own

development. Teachers should assist with proper goal setting and attainment by moving students

toward the higher end of their Z.P.D. (Vygotsky). In order to become more conditioned, the

human body has to work at the higher end of their physical Z.P.D. which puts them in

disequilibrium. The body tries to create equilibrium by getting stronger to handle the extra

workload (constructivist theory applied to physiology).

The short version of this process is called getting in-shape. P.E. is an integral part of any

well-rounded education program for helping students achieve overall development.