Essentials of Research Methods in Health, Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Recreation


Book Description

Designed to teach Health, Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Recreation students how to be consumers of research in their fields, this text is ideal for upper level and graduate level research courses in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, and Physical Education. New to the Second Edition are expanded statistics problems and data sets, additional statistics and application examples, and computer applications for data analysis. Key concepts are highlighted, and unique and humorous cartoons are used to help illustrate selected points.




Educating the Student Body


Book Description

Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.







Physical Education and Health


Book Description

This book draws together global scholars, researchers, and practitioners to provide a review and analysis of new directions in physical education and health world-wide. The book provides descriptive information from 40 countries regarding contemporary practices, models, and challenges facing the physical education and health profession globally. This exchange will offer a basis to inform and improve current practices throughout the world.




Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation


Book Description

This unique workbook puts students in control by providing guidance through the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating service-learning projects. Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: A Step-by-Step Guide directs university and high school students through an easy-to-follow five-step process for completing service-learning projects. Consistent with principles from student-centered learning and organizational development, this process begins with choosing a project and building a team and progresses to development, execution, and assessment--teaching students best practices they can replicate in subsequent projects, classes, and their future jobs. Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation highlights the skills students will need for a project as well as strategies for preventing common problems and dealing constructively with difficulties. Students learn how to work as a team, present themselves as professionals, and master the challenges of a variety of service-learning projects. Designed for learning and fun, Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation keeps students focused and positive. This all-in-one resource has the following features: A practical, customizable process that offers students unlimited creativity in project design and execution; Group projects, activities, and worksheets to guide students through the planning process; Tools, tips, and techniques that enable students to navigate the complexities of their projects; Reflection activities, journal assignments, and student checklists to help establish and maintain progress; Instructions for designing a needs assessment and evaluation survey; Icebreakers and group activities that will help build group cohesiveness. In addition to the student resources, there is also an online teacher resource guide to assist teachers in supporting their students through each step in the process. The result of the author's own experiences in conducting complex service-learning projects, Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation presents a practical and proven process that ensures both successful projects and student-centered service learning. Connecting to their communities through service-learning projects teaches students invaluable hands-on lessons and creates new volunteer and community development opportunities. Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: A Step-by-Step Guide empowers students to become an integral part of a service-learning experience where they can learn communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the unique personal power that comes from helping others.