Influence of a Physical Education Methods Course on Elementary Education Majors' Knowledge of Fundamental Movement Skills

Overview & Synopsis

With an increase concern for childhood obesity, many individuals and organizations are emphasizing the importance of quality physical education. The need for quality physical education at the elementary level is extremely important as research has shown a relationship between the performance of fundamental movement skills and children's body weight. However, quality teaching requires a knowledge base of the subject matter. At the elementary level, some states allow the classroom teachers to provide physical education instruction to their students, and many of these teachers lack a physical education knowledge base. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of physical education methods courses on the knowledge of elementary education majors in the area of fundamental movement skills. The data were obtained by using a questionnaire to assess students' knowledge by having them list fundamental movement skills before and after completing an elementary physical education methods course. The results suggest completion of a physical education methods course positively influences elementary education majors' knowledge of fundamental movement skills. (Contains 3 tables.)