Theory of Physical Education

Investigative Issues Paper
Kin 321: Theory of Physical Education
50 points possible (see rubric)
The purpose of this assignment is to provide an in depth investigation into one of many concerns and/or
challenges (issues) affecting the physical education curriculum and instruction. Apply basic investigative
research strategies, a historical perspective of the issue will be addressed, how it affects instruction, and
providing suggestions for improvement.
Identify one of the many issues affecting physical education instruction. This can include (but is not
limited to) class size, concerns with grading/assessment, seat time, teacher training and professional
development, student motivation, waivers for physical education, resources (funding), safety,
incorporating technology, co-educational classes, Title IV, discipline, facilities, and special needs students.
Your paper should provide an in depth view of the issue identified, provide a personal point of view, a
research-based view, and a realistic suggestive or corrective approach to minimize the impact the issue
has on physical education instruction.
Provide an introduction to the issue.
The introductory discussion should identify the issue, state the overall concern of the issue, and provide a
foundational understanding as to why the issue is a concern for physical educators.
Discuss your personal thoughts and opinions of the issue.
What have you personally experienced (or observed) regarding the issue being addressed and its affect on
physical education instruction? How general or isolated are those experiences?
Provide a (scholarly) research-based review of the issue.
Using a minimum of three (3) scholarly sources, provide a comprehensive and thoughtful reflection,
responding to the following questions:
What does the research say about the issue? Why is the mentioned issue an instructional problem for
physical educators? What are some experiences of physical educators in regards to the stated issue?
How have they typically addressed the issue?
How is student learning being affected?
Is the issue mainly a teacher/classroom problem, a school district problem, or a state level problem?
Formulate a comprehensive conclusion.
Summarize your thoughts and reflect on the research. What are some suggested approaches to minimize
the negative implications of the issue? What additional steps can be taken (related to the issue being
addressed) to improve physical education instruction?
Your paper should follow all APA guidelines and formatting expectations. Do not simply respond to each
listed question, rather, provide a complete and professional, reflective, essay, addressing the issue with
well-thought, comprehensive, and complete statements.
Investigative Issues Paper Grading Rubric
Unacceptable Average Acceptable Exemplary
Criteria Does Not Meet
Criterion
Approaches Criterion Meets
Criterion
Exceeds Criterion
Criterion:
Introduction
10 points possible
Specific position is not
stated. There is no
clear introduction.
Specific position is
stated but the
introduction has
errors or is too
simplistic, broad or
narrow.
Specific position is
clear and multifaceted, but the
introduction could be
more precise or there
could be more
developed
relationships between
points.
Excellent introduction:
clear, concise and
sophisticated. Inviting
and introduces the
main topic(s), provides
a broad view of topic,
previews the structure
of the paper, and
creates a foundation for
the remainder of the
paper.
Criterion: Written
Content
25 points possible
May not meet required
length, answer the
prompt, or focus on a
single topic. Not
organized. Conclusion
is absent or
disconnected from
information discussed.
Outcomes are
oversimplified.
Meets required length
with superficial
information, analysis
or argument. May be
poorly organized, with
more than one topic
in a paragraph or
repeated topics.
Conclusion is tied to
selective information.
Some outcomes are
identified clearly.
Meets required length
with basic but
adequate information,
analysis or argument.
Each paragraph has
one topic and topics
are not repeated.
Conclusion is tied to a
range of information,
including opposing
viewpoints. Outcomes
are identified clearly.
Meets or exceeds
required length with
detailed information or
sophisticated analysis
or argument. Clear
organization.
Compelling content
illustrates mastery of
subject. Conclusions
and related outcomes
are logical.
Criterion:
References/Sources
10 points possible
May cite no sources or
fewer sources than
required.
Cites required
number of sources
but they are not
incorporated clearly
or fully. May include
extraneous material.
Viewpoints taken as
fact, with little or no
questioning.
Cites required number
of credible, relevant
sources, but they could
be more fully
incorporated into
paper. Viewpoints are
subject to questioning.
Cites required number
of high-quality,
credible, relevant
sources that are
incorporated clearly
and in detail.
Viewpoints are
questioned thoroughly.
Criterion:
Mechanics
5 points possible
Multiple components
are missing and/or
multiple errors are
visible throughout the
document.
Multiple spelling,
grammar, and/or
punctuation errors.
There are 3-4 APA
formatting
components missing
and/or 3-4 errors
visible throughout the
document.
There are 3-4 spelling,
grammar, and/or
punctuation errors
visible.
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