MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1. Physical Development Objective

This objective is often known as physical fitness, physical conditioning or organic development. It involves such characteristics as muscular power, agility, speed, balance, coordination and reaction time.

This has been basic Physical Education for thousands of years, and has its beginning even in the primitive times. Here they know that physical conditioning is capable of increasing the physical fitness of the individual. Military leaders were conversant with the role of physical activity in improving the effectiveness of their military personnel. Philosophers have also seen the importance in life. In fact some have given their opinions.

A. Plato- He was among the first to recommend the careful planning of the physical education of the youth. He said “Send then to the master of physical training, so that the bodied may better minister to the virtuous mind, and they may not be compelled through bodily weakness to play as coward in war, or in any other occasions.”

B. Socrates – according to him, “No citizen has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. What disagree for it for a man to grow old, without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is has capable.”

C. Aristotle – he said “The body is the temple of the soul.” And to reach harmony of body and mind and spirit, the body must be physically fit.

2. Social Development Objectives

Participation in Physical Education activities provides opportunities for the development of desirable social traits needed for adjustment to the social life in general. Some of the traits are friendliness, cooperation, respect for the rights of others, good sportsmanship, good leadership and followership and honesty in group competition.

3. Emotional Development Objective

The objective of Physical Education activities which offers opportunities for self expression and emotional mastery, some of emotional traits are self confidence, self control, self reliance, courage and determination.

4. Mental Development Objectives

Through participation in Physical Education activities the individual develops his mental capacities as he knew the mechanical principles underlying movement. This is through the requirement of the knowledge and understanding of rules and strategies of games and sports, and as he discovers ways of improving his movements in gymnastics and dances.