Physical Education: Meaning, Definition, Aim and Objectives
Physical education is a process through which a significant transformation can be achieved in an individual via various types of physical activities. Physical education teaches an individual the way of life. The primary aim of physical education is the development of an individual’s personality. It is not accurate to say that merely acquiring knowledge through sports is physical education. Scholars possess different opinions regarding physical education.
Different Authors Thoughts about Physical Education.
1. Dubley Sergent:
The aim of physical education is to enhance students’ physical and mental levels. It is to provide students with endurance, coordination, and strength so that they can fully perform any task given to them after school.
2. J.B. Nash:
Physical education is a condition related to greater muscular exertion and the tasks performed in connection with it.
3. R. Cassidy:
Physical education connects all tasks of an individual, which are achieved through experiences in activities conducted by muscles and movement.
4. J.F. William:
Physical education involves those physical activities by which an individual can obtain certain outcomes.
5. Charles A. Bucher:
Physical education is part of the educational process, whose purpose is the mental, emotional, and social development of citizens through physical activities. Physical education has been chosen to achieve all these results.
Aim and Objectives of Physical Education:
The term “objective” refers to systematically organizing essential resources for achieving goals. Even after achieving their goals, individuals maintain their status due to objectives supporting them. The main aim of physical education is to develop an individual physically. It has four primary objectives, but according to some scholars, another objective is the emotional development of the individual.
Objectives of Physical Education
1. Physical Development:
Physical activities are of various types, but their main objective is to make an individual a healthy citizen by protecting them from ailments and diseases. Children who do not engage in exercise often face numerous developmental problems. Daily exercise leads to a healthy life. A physically healthy individual can best perform the responsibilities of his family.
2. Mental Development:
The mind regulates all activities of the body. Reading books increases an individual’s knowledge, but exercising is essential to balance the body and mind. During sports, the brain makes various decisions within minimal time, creating coordination between physical and mental activities to achieve their goal. These activities make the brain capable of taking the right decisions even under extreme circumstances. Mental development of individuals is possible largely through sports. 3. 3.Social Development:
Social development implies that every individual should express their social qualities and develop their capabilities to execute them. Every individual’s thought process in society differs. Maintaining harmony in such a society is challenging, but in sports, players from various countries with different languages unite and play together. A player learns about another’s culture, language, and traditions. Sports make an individual a good citizen and a good social worker, leading and serving society through their tasks. Sports also inculcate a sense of unity among individuals. Through sports, individuals learn discipline, sportsmanship, rules, and camaraderie. 4.Emotional Development:
The most critical task for any individual is to control their emotions, but during sports, players face various situations. Playing in different situations significantly enhances their self-confidence and courage. They learn to control their emotions. If an individual becomes emotionally strong, they can handle the most challenging situations in personal, professional, and social life.
Misconception about Physical Education
There is a prevalent misconception about physical education, with many individuals unaware of its comprehensive learning and teaching aspects. Consequently, their views on this subject are unclear. Some consider physical education synonymous with sports, while others associate it with exercises, running, and jumping. However, physical education encompasses the holistic development of an individual’s personality. Within physical education, extensive knowledge about the body is provided, and children are educated about the effects of various games on their bodies. Therefore, it is appropriate to state that without the knowledge acquired from physical education, one often feels incomplete in society. Physical education is the sole discipline that assists in shaping a well-rounded individual. Despite this, parents are sometimes hesitant to embrace physical education as a subject, fearing it is solely about physical activities. Currently, physical education has been introduced as a subject in BA courses. It presents excellent job opportunities. An old adage, “if you study, you’ll succeed; if you play, you’ll spoil,” has been widely misconstrued. Today, sports athletes achieve fame and prestige. Nevertheless, there remains societal stigmatization against women participating in sports. Observing India’s population statistics, the number of male and female athletes is significantly low. If the importance of knowledge in physical education is recognized within society, many societal evils and diseases could be eradicated. Physical education not only ensures individual health but also promotes the wellness of the entire community