Historical Perspective on Contrasting Philosophies of Professional Preparation for Physical Education in the United States.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper offers some historical perspective on contrasting philosophies of professional preparation for physical education in the United States. The paper is divided into five parts, the first of which presents a brief historical review of professions in genernal, and teaching in particular. The second part is a summary of professional preparation for physical education in the United States, with emphasis on selected persistent problems. An enumeration of selected problem areas in physical education teacher education that seems to imply adherence to specific stances within educational philosophy is presented in the third part. The fourth part is a comparative analysis of the philosophical stances underlying the contrasting positions within professional preparation for physical education. The final part contains six recommended criteria for a philosophy of professional preparation for physical education. A bibliography is also included. (RC)