American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: March 2004

Nontraditional Recreation Activities: A Catalyst for Quality Physical Education
William A. Ballard & Matthew R. Chase

Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to highlight key physical education benefits of nontraditional recreation activities, to outline some of the known constraints to implementing these activities, and to recommend strategies for the inclusion of such activities into the physical education curriculum. Based on the results of a qualitative inquiry into the faculty perceptions concerning the implementation of an innovative curriculum, the authors contend that the use of nontraditional activities is both advantageous and feasible. The article examines the advantages of the activities for students and educators. Common barriers to implementation that are explored include liability issues, expense, and time and scheduling conflicts. The article provides solutions that are consistent with the literature and makes an overall recommendation for the inclusion of nontraditional activities.

Article category: Curriculum