By Patrick Milligan on Monday, April 09, 2001 - 11:00 pm: Edit

There are those who believe that integrating physical education is based on the previse that the class should be like the real world, especially the workplace. The fact is that PE is not about "jobs," but about educating our individual bodies to move more effectively and enjoyably. The real world of physical
movement (a.k.a.-sports, athletics, exercise physiology, medicine,
psychology) realizes that men and women are indeed different physically.
Women basketball leagues use a smaller ball, men's volleyball leagues use a
higher net, etc. How men socialize with each other is different from how
women socialize with each other, and how each gender socializes with the
other is different still.

This is not to say that everything should be separated--quite the contrary.
In many ways and in many areas we should indeed work together. But, to
assume that we are all alike in every way, and, therefore, should compete in
physical contests together is ludicrous. Imagine Pamela Sue Anderson going
up against, well, anyone in football or basketball. Physically, she would
get crushed, even if she knew the techniques to employ.

Bring children together in every other area, including most recreational
activities, but sports is one facet of physical education, and most of them
require different approaches based on gender differences, not on those areas
where we are alike. Besides, little boys and little girls have developmental
needs that can only be met by socializing with others of the same gender.
They, also, have socialization needs that can be met only by integrating
their activities.

Never insult someone by saying that if they are teaching "physical
education," then both genders should be together, like the "real world," and
that if competition is involved, that what they are doing is not physical
education. Perhaps, some are confusing physical education for organized
recess, or simply "play" education.

There are more philosophies than one, so be professional and accept the
variety in our profession.

Patrick Milligan
BYU

By Josh Kent State University Student on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 - 07:47 am: Edit

Physical Education is what I looked forward to everyday when I was in High School. I loved my teacher, the games he played ,and the way the class was set up. The class was Monday through Friday for fifty minutes. The best part about the class was ,that it was separated between the males and the females. Monday through Thursday was males only and Friday we had co-ed day integrating both the males and females. I think men and women are different physically ,and the sports world recognizes it also. I do not have any problem having co-ed physical education class throughout eighth grade. I think once you reach high school too many issues come into play with males and females in class at the same time. The students begin to go through that stage ,when they start to like the opposite sex. The females may not play as hard if the males are in the class. The males may not play hard if the females are in the class. It is not fair to both genders having the classes combined everyday. One day of co-ed physical education worked out great at my high school. The only other way to fix this problem is to have physical education class set up for males and females and another for their gender only.