Chapter I

INTRODUCTION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

OVERVIEW

Physical Education is the education of, by, and through human movement. It is
the integral part of the total education process that aims for the development of
physically, mentally, socially, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually fit citizens
through the medium of different physical activities selected to realize the outcomes.
It serves to develop the body, mold the character, and discipline the mind, as
medium of man’s total, intellectual, and developmental education using experiences
centered in movement. The slogan for physical education from the days of ancient
Greece until the present is “mens sana en corpora sano,” which stands for a sound
body in a sound mind.
Today’s emphasis on physical education centers on its educational potential, its
power to contribute to more than just the development of physical fitness, physical skills,
and desirable qualities. Physical education can effectively expand its function as an
educational tool by focusing on movement exploration, creativity, thought and problem
solving processes, concept formation, and concomitant learning’s leading to positive
self-concept and confident self-image.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter students can:

A. Define and explain physical education;

B. Discuss the history, importance and values of physical education; and

C. Discuss the definition of the physically educated person.

LESSON 1: History and Objectives of Physical Education

Pre-Discussion:
Physical Education is an important segment of general education which aims to
contribute to the total development of the learner through participation in selected
vigorous activities. It provides opportunities to acquire lifelong skills that are essential to
his physical, mental, social, and emotional development (Oyco, 2000).
It can also be viewed as a program of activities in a school curriculum that
involves sports, games, dance, gymnastics, and recreational activities. Great emphasis
is placed on motor skills, fitness, health, recreation and safety. It is an integral part of
the educational program designed to promote the optimum development of the
individual physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally through total body movement
on the performance of properly selected physical activities.

What to expect: At the end of this lesson you are expected to:

1. Recognize the basic foundation/history of physical education;

2. Make generalizations on the concepts and objectives of physical education.

3. Recognize the common misconceptions about exercise.

HISTORY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Many experts trace the beginning of physical education back to the Ancient
Greeks, who had organized physical education programs by the 700 B.C. at educational
establishments called “gymnasia” (gymnasium). Greek boys took part in discus and
javelin throwing, jumping, running and wrestling. They also received instruction in
mathematics, philosophy, and rhetoric. Although physical education was part of the
general education of the Roman citizens, its primary value was in military training.
In Europe in the Middle Ages (from the 400’s to the 1500’s), many sports and
other physical activities were considered sinful. During the Renaissance, which lasted
from the 1300’s to the 1600’s, a revival of interest in Greek and Roman culture brought
a return to competitions such as fitness sports and body building activities. In the
1800’s, physical education programs were introduced into schools in Germany,
Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. German and Swedish programs
emphasized gymnastics and exercise routines. The British programs laid stress on team
sports. US programs borrowed from all these European sources. The most important
development In the 1990’s was the large-scale provision of physical education courses
for girls and for people with disabilities.

OBJECTIVES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Development

Through carefully selected physical education activities, an individual who

participates actively will develop and maintain good health and high level of physical
fitness. The acquisition of physical skills can motivate an individual to participate further
in physical activities: hence, healthy growth and development of each learner will be
enhanced.

Social Development

Participation in Physical Education activities provides opportunities for the

acquisition and practice of desirable social traits necessary for adjustment to happy
living and social life in general. Some worthwhile traits are:
*Friendliness
*Cooperation
*Respect for the rights of others
*Good sportsmanship
*Good leadership and fellowship
*Honesty in group competition

Emotional Development
The informal nature of physical education offers opportunities for the
development of expression and emotional traits needed for emotional mastery like:
*Self-confidence
*Self-control
 *Self-reliance
*Courage
*Determination
*Personal Discipline
Mental Development

Through participation in Physical Education activities the individual develops his

mental capacities as he learns the mechanical principles of underlying movement, as
the learner acquires knowledge and understanding of rules and strategies of games and
sports as well as dance instructions, as he discovers ways of improving his movements
in gymnastics and dance, and the ability to analyze and give judgments.

DEFINITION OF THE PHYSICALLY EDUCATED PERSON

Physically educated persons have ACQUIRED skills enabling them to perform a variety
of physical activities which can help them maintain health-related fitness levels; they
PARTICIPATE regularly in physical activity (PA) because it is enjoyable and exhilarating,
they UNDERSTAND and VALUE PA and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle.

A physically educated person:

Has learned skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities.

 Moves using concepts of body awareness, space awareness, effort, and
relationships
 Demonstrates competence in a variety of manipulative, locomotor, and non-
locomotor skills
 Demonstrate competence in combinations of manipulative, locomotor, and
non-locomotor skills performed individually and with others
 Demonstrate competence in many different forms of physical activity
 Demonstrates proficiency in a few forms of physical activity
 Has learned how to learn new skills
IS physically fit.
 Assesses, achieves, and maintains physical fitness
 Designs safe personal fitness programs in accordance with principles of
training and conditioning

Does participate regularly in physical activity.

 Participate in health-enhancing physical activity at least three times a week
 Selects and regularly participates in lifetime physical activities
 Physically educated persons lead physically active lives and can select and
integrate regular PA into their lifestyle through participation with others and/or
alone.

KNOWS the implications of and the benefits from involvement in physical

activities.
 Identifies the benefits, costs, and obligations associated with regular
participation in physical activity
 Recognizes the risk and safety factors associated with regular participation in
physical activity
 Applies concepts and principles to the development of motor skills
 Understands that wellness involves more than being physically fit
 Knows the rules, strategies, and appropriate behaviors for selected physical
activities
 Recognizes that participation in physical activity can lead to multicultural and
international understanding
 Understands that physical activity provides the opportunity for enjoyment self-
expression, and communication

VALUES physical activity and its contributions to a healthful lifestyle.

 Appreciates the relationships with others that result from participation in
physical activity
  Respects the role that regular physical activity plays in the pursuit of lifelong
health and well being
 Cherishes the feelings that result from regular participation in physical activity
 Physically educated persons accept and appreciate the differences and
abilities of self and others. They understand risks, safety factors, and
appropriate behaviors associated with PA. They value PA and its impact
upon physical, social, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. They display
positive personal and social responsibility.

Summary:
Knowledge is power as expert say, learning the basic foundation of physical
education enables individual to understand the basic principles of why people must
involve in active lifestyle. Being active makes individual’s productive on their own field of
expertise.
 LET’S DO THIS!
Activity 1 LIFESTYLE EVALUATION
How does your current lifestyle compare with the lifestyle recommended for wellness?
For each question, choose the answer that best describes your behavior, then add up your
score for each section.
Exercise/Fitness Almost Sometimes Never
Always
1. I engage in moderate exercise, such as brisk walking 4 1 0
or swimming for 20-60 minutes, three or five times a week.
2. I do exercises to develop muscular strength and 2 1 0
endurance at least twice a week.
3. I spend some of my leisure time participating in 2 1 0
individual, family, or team activities.
4. I maintain a healthy body weight, avoiding overweight 2 1 0
and underweight
Exercise Fitness Score: ______ _____ _____

Nutrition
1. I eat a variety of food each day, including five or more 3 1 0
servings of fruits and/or vegetables.
2. I limit the amount of fat and saturated fat in my diet. 3 1 0
3. I avoid skipping meals. 2 1 0
4. I limit the amount of salt and sugar I eat. 2 1 0
Nutrition Score: _____ _____ ____

Tobacco Use
If you never use tobacco, enter a score of 10 for this section and go to the next section.
1. I avoid using tobacco. 2 1 0
2. I smoke only low-tar-and-nicotine cigarettes or 2 1 0
I smoke a pipe or cigars, or use smokeless tobacco.
Tobacco Use Score: _____ _____ _____

Alcohol and Drugs

1. I avoid alcohol, or I drink no more than 1 (women) 4 1 0
or 2 (men) drinks a day.
2. I avoid using alcohol or other drugs as a way of handling
stressful situations or problems in my life. 2 1 0
3. I am careful not to drink alcohol when taking medications
(such as cold or allergy medications) or when pregnant. 2 1 0
4. I read and follow the label directions when using
prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. 2 1 0
Alcohol and Drugs Score: _____ _____ _____

Emotional Health
1. I enjoy being a student, and I have a job or do other 2 1 0
 work that I enjoy.
2. I find it easy to relax and express my feelings freely. 2 1 0
3. I manage stress well. 2 1 0
4. I have close friends, relatives, or others whom I can talk to
about personal matters and call on for help when needed. 2 1 0
5. I participate in group activities (such as community or
church organizations) or hobbies that I enjoy. 2 1 0
Emotional Health Score: _____ _____ _____
Safety
1. I wear a safety belt while riding in a car. 2 1 0
2. I avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol 2 1 0
or other drugs.
3. I obey traffic rules and the speed limit when driving. 2 1 0
4. I read and follow instructions on the labels of potentially
harmful products or substances, such as household 2 1 0
cleaners, poisons, and electrical appliances.
5. I avoid smoking in bed. 2 1 0
Safety Score: _____ _____ _____
Disease Prevention
1. I know the warning signs of cancer, heart attack, and stroke. 2 1 0
2. I avoid overexposure to the sun and use sunscreen. 2 1 0
3. I take recommended medical screening tests
(such as blood pressure checks and Pap tests), 2 1 0
immunizations, and booster shots.
4. I practice monthly breast/testicles self-exams. 2 1 0
5. I am not sexually active or I have sex with only one
mutually faithful, uninfected partner or I always engage in
“safer sex” (using condoms), and I do not share needles 2 1 0
to inject drugs.

Disease Prevention Score: _____ _____ _____

Fit & Well - Fifth Edition

Scoring Guideline:

ᴥ Scores of 9 and 10 EXCELLENT! Your answers show that you are aware of the
importance of this area to your health. More important, you are putting your knowledge
to work for you by practicing good health habits. As long as you continue to do so, this
area should not pose a serious health risk.

ᴥ Scores of 6 to 8 Your health practices in this area are GOOD, but there is room for
improvement.

ᴥ Scores of 3 to 5 Your health risks are showing.

ᴥ Scores of 0 to 2 You may be taking serious and unnecessary risks with your health.