Improving Physical Fitness in High School Students: Implications from an Experimental Course

Abstract

Educators are challenged to create conditions under which instruction has a reasonable probability of improving students’ knowledge and behavior. In high school physical education courses this problem is accentuated when adolescents are not highly receptive to traditional methods of instruction. The answer may lie in curriculum design wherein courses are better packaged to maintain student interest and involvement. The Albuquerque Public School System explored this concept during two consecutive summer terms. An innovative physical education course incorporating unique field experiences, high levels of participation, and reinforcement of individual responsibility was designed and implemented in a pilot project. When compared to traditional physical education classes, mixed results were obtained for various physical fitness measures and knowledge scores. The implications for designing physical education courses are discussed.

Promoting Physical Activity Participation among Children and Adolescents

“…One study examined the effectiveness of delivering special classes to promote adolescents' physical activity. Phillipp et al (91) delivered information about health and fitness over six sessions and conducted field trips to roller-and ice-skating rinks, aerobics classes, and hiking during summer programs to students in grades 9-12. There were no differences in physical activity between the control and intervention groups.…”