CHANGING TRENDS AND CAREER IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION . Best Career options in Physical Education I. MEANING AND DEFINITION OF PHYSICAL EDUCAT...
CHANGING TRENDS AND CAREER IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION .
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| Best Career options in Physical Education |
I. MEANING AND DEFINITION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is an integral part of education. The word 'physical' refers to the body while 'education is a systematic process of imparting or receiving knowledge. Hence, physical education is the process of education through exercises and games that are focused on developing physical fitness. Through physical education, students develop the basic movement skills like throwing, catching, climbing, etc. as well as the advanced skills required to play sports such as football, cricket, athletics, etc.
The scope of physical education expands beyond physical fitness. It contributes to the overall growth and development of an individual that includes the mind and the body. A physical education program includes training in healthy living and hygiene. Moreover, it also develops social skills. Through participation in sports activities, a child learns to work in a team, lead, contribute towards the team goal, accept failure and respect and help others.
Modern physical education originated in Germany in 1800s followed by Sweden, England and the United States of America. Health was promoted through the Swedish system of exercise. In the US, physical education was introduced as an integral part of school curriculum in 1823. Since then, various changes have taken place in this field to cater to the changing trends in bed and sports. For example, programs in healthy lifestyle, life-long physical activities healthy diet and non-traditional sports such as kin-ball, mountain biking have been introduced.
Definitions of Physical Education field. These are as follows:
Physical education has been defined in different ways by experts and institutes in this "Physical education is that phase of education which deals with big muscle activities and their related responses."
“Physical education is that phase of education which is concerned, first , with the organisation and leadership of children, in big muscle activities, to gain the development and adjustment inherent in the activities according to social standards, and second, with the control of health or growth conditions naturally associated with the leadership of the activities so that the educational process may go on without growth handicaps."
“Physical education is an integral part of the total educational process and has as its aim the development of physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially fit citizens through the medium of physical activities which have been selected with view to realising these outcomes."
“Physical education is education through physical activities for the development of the total personality of the child to its fullness and perfection in body, mind and spirit"--Central Advisory Board of Physical Education and Recreation.
From the above definitions, it can be derived that physical education-
- is a process.
- is an integral component of education.
- Is concerned with the development of the body, mind and soul.
- develops social skills.
- involves carefully selected physical activities.
- involves programs that have defined outcomes.
II. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To delve into the study of physical education, it is important to clarify the aim or the goal of the subject, i.e. the ultimate purpose of physical education
According to J. E. Williams, "Physical education should aim to provide skill, leadership, adequate facilities and ample time which will afford an opportunity for the individual or group to act in situations which are physically whole mentally stimulating, satisfying and socially sound."
According to the National Plan of Physical Education and Recreation, "The aim of physical education must be to make every child physically, mentally and emotionally fit and also to develop in him such personal and social qualities as will help him to live happily with others and build him up a good citizen."
Hence, the aim of physical education is the wholesome development of an individual to enable him to live a healthy and productive life. It incorporates physical, mental, social, intellectual and emotional development.
AIM
- Physical development
- Moral development
- Motor development
- Social development
- Psychological development
The objectives of physical education have been laid down as follows:
1. Physical Development: The objective of physical education relates to developing the physical strength of an individual through the development of muscular strength. Physical activities strengthen various organs of the body like the heart, brain, lungs and kidneys which are essential for living a healthy and productive life. Moreover, exercises also keep diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and arthritis at bay.
For example: Cardio exercises, like running, increase the heart rate and improve the circulation of blood throughout the body.
Thus, physical development leads to regular growth and development of the body as a whole. All parts of body work normally and efficiently. Physical activities enhance the co-ordination between brain and muscles that improves the physical strength and increases the capacity to work for a longer period of time.
2. Motor Development: Motor development refers to development of the climbing stairs, holding objects and pouring drinks. Physical activities a an individual to perform daily activities like sitting, standing, walking, especially essential during the growing stage of a child to develop motor skills that he will use during the later years of his life. Even for adults,physical activities are important to improve the flexibility of muscles and strengthen the joints.
Therefore, curriculum of physical education includes various kinds of traditional and non-traditional physical activities and sport in order to encourage every student to be physically active in his school years.
3. Psychological Development: Besides the physical aspects, physical education aims to develop the psychological aspects of an individual that are related to stress, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Research and studies have shown that exercising causes reduction in the stress levels among adolescents and significantly improves their self-esteem. There is no doubt that there exists a positive correlation between physical activities and mental development. Hence, an important aspect of physical education is developing a lifelong fitness regime because 'a happy mind is a healthy mind'.
That is why exercise is recommended by doctors as a treatment of attention deficit disorders.
4. Social Development: Development of social skills are imperative to build meaningful relationships and to become worthy members of society.
Participation in organised sports helps develop social values like working together, celebrating together, supporting others, leading, cooperating and motivating. A sound physical education program includes ample group activities for individuals to develop their social skills. Social development leads to positive behaviour and also influences other spheres of life.
For example: Team sports like football and basketball require coordination among team players and a collective effort of the team to score goals or baskets.
5. Moral Development: Sports build character. Characteristics like persistence, courage, determination and discipline are often observed in sportspersons.
The value of sportsmanship is taught through physical education programs. It is believed that physical education leads to high moral standards among individuals that are reflected in their personal lives as well.
For example: Players are taught to lose graciously, be polite to their opponents and play by the rules.
III. CHANGING TRENDS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education and sports have always been an important part of the society either as a form of mental and physical development or simply as a form of recreation. Throughout history, physical education has undergone many changes and reforms. In Ancient Rome and Greece, physical education was primarily a means of military training and recreation.
It was in the 19th century that physical education became more organised and started developing. Schools introduced physical education as a subject in their curriculum and focussed on physical fitness, hygiene and overall development of the body. In higher education institutions, several majors in physical education were introduced. There was an increased interest in organising various athletic competitions.
Early 20th century witnessed growth in the number of female athletes as compared to earlier. With an increase in demand of professionals in the field of sports, there was an increase in the enrolment of people in physical education programs
In post independent India, there was an effort to uplift physical education from its declined state. Government of India established several advisory committees, organisations and schemes to improve the status of physical education. In the year 1950, the Union Ministry of Education set up the Central Advisory Board of Physical Education and Recreation which aimed at giving recommendations to the Central Government about various physical education programs. Another important organisation set up by Government of India was Sports Authority of India. It was established on 16 March, 1984 to manage the sports infrastructure of the country. Some other advisory committees and schemes that restored physical education include All India Council of Sports (AICS), Laxmi Bai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) and National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala.
To provide sports training and organise athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics were founded in 1987 in India. Later, in 2001 it was registered under the Indian Trust Act and was renamed as Special Olympics Bharat.
In the recent times, physical education has become multidisciplinary. It does not focus solely on physical and mental fitness, but is also related to other academic subjects.
This modern concept in the field of physical education is called integrated physical education. It means incorporating fun and innovative physical activities with other subjects for better learning and understanding.
The knowledge of various disciplines and their usefulness is used to train students under integrated physical education .This method can be helpful in improving the health and well-being or all round development of students.
Another modified programme of physical education is adaptive physical suited to the interests, capacities and limitations of people with disabilities.
Under this special programs are organised for such people to develop their physical, motor, social and emotional skills.
Over the years, the curriculum of physical education has evolved as well. Now it includes not only traditional sports but incorporates other activities like aerobics, meditation and yoga, which help the students to cope up with the changing lifestyle, eating trends and contemporary stressful lives.
IV. VARIOUS PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES AVAILABLE IN INDIA
There are various physical education courses available in India. Some of the important courses are given below in the following table.
V. CAREER OPTIONS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Till the 1990s, career options in the field of physical education were limited to teaching or coaching. The rising interest in sports has raised the need for various trained sports professionals. Moreover, institutions such as the YMCA, YWCA and other commercial clubs have made physical education programs popular among the masses. The development of various sub-disciplines in the field of physical education has opened various career opportunities in sports psychology, sports medicine, media, sports administration and management, etc. Today, there are a plethora of career options in the field of physical education, which can be classified as:
1. Teaching Sector
Physical education forms an important and integral part of the K-12 curriculum. Physical education teachers help students develop physical abilities and healthy habits that shape their lives. They are responsible for organising games and sports programs that promote physical activities among students from kindergarten to high school level. The educational qualifications required to teach physical education depends on the level at which it is taught.
2. Training Sector
Coaches train athletes and teams for competitive sports with the aim to optimise their confidence, coordination, focus and team-spirit. Coaches specialise in a particular sport. They devise and advise on strategies for maximum success with minimum risk of injuries. Many coaches also unofficially serve as psychological counsellors to athletes who need emotional support, direction and personal advice. Some of the best coaches become mentors to athletes and prove to be personal role models and inspiration both on and off the field. The responsibilities of coaches depend on the kind of organisations hiring them.
High school coaches teach students about the rules of different sports and the skills required to play those games. Most high school coaches have the experience of playing sports in school or college. They need to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the sport they coach. Trainers in Professional Sports. Organisations train athletes in specialised skills to increase their chances of winning at prestigious national and international competitions. They are also responsible for directing and motivating the team. Many professional coaches have been former players. Hence, their experience develops ability and skills of future athletes.
3. Health-related Sector
Health-related sector is a vast area that includes athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, medicine etc. People with medical qualifications and specialisation can find ample work opportunities at educational institutes, training organisations etc. Sports medicine deals with prevention and treatment the injuries faced by athletes. It includes physiotherapists, athletic trainers, doctors, medical assistants etc.
Sports physiotherapists help athletes manage their pain and recover from chronic conditions and injuries. They provide care to athletes who are recovering from injuries or long-term illnesses. They specialise in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
Athletic trainers help in the treatment and rehabilitation of injured athletes. They prepare a list of exercises which help athletes in recovering from pain and enable them to be back on the field. Athletic trainers work under the supervision of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care providers.
Sports nutritionists/dieticians provide nutritional counselling to enhance the health and performance of athletes. They develop and implement a menu for the athlete or the team within a specific budget. The nutritional requirement depends on the fitness level of the athlete and the sport he/she plays.
Gym Instructors provide training to an individual or a small group of people. With rising awareness of preventive healthcare, gyms and fitness centres have become very popular. Hence, the demand for qualified gym instructors and personal trainers is also on the rise. Fitness workers develop tailor-made exercise programmes including cardiovascular, strength, and stretching exercises for their clients. They also motivate individuals to reach their fitness goals.
Sports Psychologists focus on improving the mental health of athletes which in turn impacts their performance. They diagnose and treat mental health issues that are common to athletes such as performance anxiety, stress, poor self-esteem, eating disorders and depression.
4. Performance-related Sector
Due to the increasing popularity of sports among people, a large section of youth wants to become professional player, but this requires skill, proficiency, hard work, determination and devotion. Different sports competitions and other sporting events require sports officials at different levels. These officials are appointed for planning and managing sports programs. Besides these, umpires, refrees , time keepers, recorders and scorers etc. are needed to officiate athletic and sports events. All these officials play important roles in successfully, organising sports competitions and other sports events. All these officials must have specialised qualification in their respective fields.
Recreational sports management includes sports events which are played only for fun and not for competitions. Directors of recreation develop and manage recreational sports events and fitness programs in parks, tourism organisations, schools and hospitals. Recreation supervisors assist directors in planning and organising recreational program. They guide the participants, keep records of the use of equipment etc.
5. Media and Communication
A career in sports media and communication includes various career options. Some of these are
- Sports Photographer
- Sports Journalist
- Sports Announcer/Commentator
- Authors of books related to sports
- Sports Radio/TV Show Host
All these career options require knowledge of rules and regulations along with other professional qualifications.
Thus, a variety of career options are available in the field of physical education. One must be well-acquainted with his/her strengths, abilities, goals an preferences in life while deciding which career path to follow.
VI. SOFT SKILLS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT CAREERS
A career in Physical Education demands certain essential soft skills which have been given below. These affect one's career prospects as well as performance in
A career in physical education demands certain essential soft skills which have:
- Communication skills: It includes good command over language (English and native) and the ability to articulate ideas orally and in writing, in the and comprehend their thoughts well. For example, a good sports journalist or commentator is the one who can efficiently communicate his thoughts and opinions even to those who are not well-versed in the rules and regulation of sports. A clinical sports psychologist should have good listening most efficient manner. One should also be able to listen carefully to other skills to diagnose and treat the mental health issues of the athletes.
- Problem solving skills: It includes the ability to approach a problem with a calm mindset. The professionals in the field of sports administration often encounter problems such as poor infrastructure, shortage of budget, non- compliant clients, security issues et al. In case of such difficult situations,one should be able to recognise the problem, seek advice if necessary, think of an organised plan and execute it.
- Teamwork: It includes the ability to work with other people with different personalities and working styles, to achieve a common goal. Teamwork is extremely important for sportspersons. They should understand the importance to work smoothly and unselfishly with the team. They should be dedicated to the whole team for better results.
- Organisational skills: It includes management of resources, time and money. A person employed in the field of physical education should be able to coordinate the available resources in the best way possible. Another important organisational skill is using time wisely and meeting deadlines and the ability to work under pressure. For example, a sports marketing project manager is required to plan and design an advertisement campaign with the available budget and resources, under strict deadlines. Similarly, coordinator has to the make the best use of his resources, sometimes in limited time and budget.
- Professional ethics: It is very important for sports professionals to be ethical towards others. Most importantly, they should be honest, unbiased and and to maintain their integrity. They should express friendliness and empathy impartial. For example, a sports referee or umpire can never be partial and biased as their decisions have a big impact on the outcome of a sports competition. A sports commentator should also express unbiased and even handed options irrespective of his/her personal opinions and believes.
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