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Psychology for Physical Educators is a well written interesting and
enlightening text designed for students, educators, administrators,
as well as anyone interested in the "whole" student. The book was written
by specialists from various European countries, and provides a new angle
and approach to teaching students in Physical Education.
The book begins it's first few sections discussing traditional areas
of Physical Education, such as motor skills, and physical development
from a psychological point of view. Then, Sections IV and V capture
the reader as the authors break away from traditional American texts
and enlighten readers about the "whole" student by providing knowledge
and research on areas such as moral development in Physical Education.
The concept of "right vs. wrong" and solving conflicts are examined
as a major part of Physical Education classes. These two sections discuss,
in depth, the development of social skills, positive self perceptions,
and the importance of these concepts in Physical Education.
The authors recommend that P.E. curricula should include four domains:
physical and motor development, health and fitness, the development
of positive self-perceptions, and the development of social skills.
The European philosophy is to "produce happy, healthy people" who through
Physical Education will improve their psychosocial well-being throughout
their lifetime.
The text is interesting, lively, and includes helpful and informative
tables, graphs, pictures, and drawings. It would be helpful reading
to any educator or administrator looking for arguments for more physical
education courses. This would also be an excellent textbook for students
in physical education programs, as it provides good key points and review
questions at the end of each chapter.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to any individual
involved in middle school curriculum, as it examines the social side
of Physical Education that is such an important part of students of
this age.
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