High Autonomy Teaching in Elementary Physical Education

Over the last decade there has been a large amount of research indicating the benefits of daily exercise. That said, why are children not engaging in exercises that will improve their fitness? Many children find fitness boring and routine. Elementary age children have stated they preferred skill-related over health-related activities. We know that physical educators can "do fitness to children" through traditional teaching methods. However, there is little if any transfer from classroom to outside-of-class activity. Teachers need to experiment with new teaching strategies that will motivate the learner. By shifting ownership and responsibility to the students they can take charge of their own individual fitness. Incorporating a high autonomy teaching climate into a fitness based unit can accomplish just that.