Teaching a Wellness-Oriented Physical Education Curriculum

• In Event: Researching Innovative Pedagogies in Physical Education

Abstract

Many physical education scholars agree that the field of physical education needs considerable reform (Dyson, 2006; Kirk, 2010; Lawson, 2009). As such, this study examined a physical education program that takes a more holistic approach to helping students learn how to live well—physically, emotionally spiritually, socially and intellectually. Working with one high school physical education teacher, this study employed an action research approach where researchers co-constructed meaning for a common purpose: to gain a better understanding of what it means to teach a wellness-oriented physical education curriculum. Preliminary results from this study will be shared which demonstrate how the notion of currere, wisdom-traditions and existential perspectives present an alternative approach to addressing the issue of physical education curricular reform.

Author

• Michelle L. Kilborn, Memorial University of Newfoundland