`This is simply the physical education book of its time. The editors must be congratulated on bringing together so many quality authors from so many different parts of the world. As a handbook, it represents how far the study of physical education has moved forward in recent times. What we have is a clear portrayal of physical education at the start of the 21st century′ - Mike Jess, University of Edinburgh `This Handbook is a "must read" for all physical educators who are serious about understanding their subject and developing their practices. The list of authors involved reads like a "who′s who"′ of physical education at a global level - the editors are to be commended on bringing together such collective expertise - this is a key strength of the book. The Handbook successfully expresses a view of knowledge about physical education pedagogy which embraces different research traditions and emerging areas of interest across the global scholarly community′ - Jo Harris, Loughborough University `This comprehensive and eclectic exploration into the field of physical education draws on the vast expertise of its renowned international contributors with astounding results. The Handbook of Physical Education serves to firmly reinstate physical education to its position as the core discipline of sport and exercise science. The Handbook is destined to become an indispensable academic resource for scholars, students and enthusiasts of physical education for years to come′ - Pilvikki Heikinaro-Johansson, University of Jyväskylä What is the current condition of the field of physical education? How has it adapted to the rise of kinesiology, sport and exercise science and human movement studies over the last thirty years? This Handbook provides an authoritative critical overview of the field and identifies future challenges and directions. The Handbook is divided in to six parts: - Perspectives and Paradigms in Physical Education Pedagogy Research; - Cross-disciplinary Contributions to Research on Physical Education; - Learners and Learning in Physical Education; - Teachers, Teaching and Teacher Education in Physical Education; - Physical Education Curriculum; - Difference and Diversity in Physical Education. This benchmark work is essential reading for educators and students in the field of physical education.

This book examines public policy in physical education and sport and provides insights into practices of school curriculum and after-school sport programs from a global context. The authors reflect on the continuously shifting understanding of the field of physical education, articulate issues that face physical education and sport programs in the context of historical and contemporary dilemmas, and suggest a new direction for the profession in the twenty-first century.

This book explores how physical education (PE) can be best enacted in primary schools in order to optimise children’s wellbeing. Drawing together extensive data from school communities around the globe, the author examines multiple dimensions of child health in practice. Ultimately, the findings suggest that PE is imperative within the wider landscape of children’s holistic learning, offering a powerful platform for meaningful connections across learning areas. While quantitative research has long evidenced the benefits of physical activity, this book contributes to the complex and global issue of what effective health and wellbeing approaches look like in practice. It is natural for children to enjoy movement for the purposes of play, exploration, learning and development: this book is essential reading for educators looking to enhance children’s wellbeing and general health.

Physical education is a core component of the primary school curriculum. This title presents a comprehensive introduction to the teaching of PE in the primary school. It highlights the importance of PE in the primary curriculum and the key issues facing primary teachers today, such as inclusion, training needs, and creativity.

The book provides an insight into the current situation of PE in schools across Europe as a forerunner to addressing PE-related existing and emerging issues in various contexts.

Even though Physical Education is considered as a basic right of all children, views vary on what comprises quality Physical Education; Huge differences exist between countries and regions. In this important book the situation of Physical Education is compared by means of a worldwide survey. This allows the definition of some universally accepted features and concepts, and of appropriate responses to common problems. It is the first publication to provide concentrated information on the state of PE around the world.