Issues in Kinesiology

Selected content contributed and in some cases directly quoted from Marion Sanborn and Betty Hartmans Issues in Physical Education

Difference between a problem and an issue?

Issue always has two alternatives from which to choose from Important consequences should follow each alternative Controversial!

Example of an Issue in Kinesiology

Should the curriculum in departments of kinesiology focus primarily on a broad look at foundational subdisciplines or should specialization be encouraged at the undergraduate level?

Example of Issues in Allied Health Fields

Should surgical procedures to reduce weight in patients who are obese be covered by insurance?

Another Issue in the Health Sciences

Should

physician assistants encourage patients to pursue an exercise regimen along with drug therapy (or in place of drug therapy) for depression based on new research?

Issue vs. Problem, cont.

Problem is a perplexing situation or dilemma Dont necessarily have opposing sides Being controversial is not a requirement, although it may!

Example of a problem in Kinesiology Depts.

To become an athletic trainer now, one must attend a 4 year institution that offers an accredited program. This stipulation reduces the number of students in college programs who can pursue certification.

Example of a problem in the allied health fields

Nursing schools are full, thereby making admission highly competitive. In order to increase the number of spots, we need more nursing instructors. Traditionally, salaries for nursing professors have not been high enough to attract candidates.

Characteristics of an issue

Can be alive or dead -providing education for children with disabilities is no longer a live issue Relevant to todays society -dealing with performance enhancing substances in baseball Momentous -momentous issues have life-changing effects

Indicators of an appropriate issue

As it is debated, opposition mounts Results in a clashing of viewpoints Controversy sometimes results in a quarrel or intense disagreement

Conflicts can be described as one of two types

Example: issue of granting unlimited driving rights for older adults -Substantive: intellectual opposition -Affective: conflict of personality or emotional clashes (9)

How are such conflicts resolved?

Character of the conflict is changed to toleration or compromise (both sides reach some important goals) Gradual acceptance by the majority

Resolved through legislation or policy

We judge issues according to our own belief system or worldview

How we are socialized affects our position on issues Our personalities lead us to conclusions regarding issues Our motivations affect the intensity with which we approach issues

Ethics, Values and Worldview Affect Our Position on Issues

Ethics is the study of right and wrong

The study of specific moral choices to be made by the individual in his (her) relationship to others; belief in honor and good reason. http://www.cbaa.org/glossary.html

Values: our perceptions about what is important in life Worldview: our fundamental orientation or value

How to debate an issue

Requires knowledge of both sides of the issue Points, counter-points are understood, supported and/or rejected

State how worldview, ethics and values form opposing sides

Issues Presented in Class: Total 25-30 min.

3-5 min. Clear intro and conclusion. Description of underlying ethical positions/belief systems that support both perspectives. Is there common ground? 3-5 min. historical background 3-5 min. presentation defining one perspective 3-5 min. presentation describing opposing view 10-15 min. Opportunity for class to discuss issue Handout with outline and sources (max. 1 page front and back) Sources must include scholarly articles (a minimum of 4 from 2004 or later) as well as any additional on-line sources Dress like a professional!

Suggested team roles

Team of 4: Student #1: introduction (setting the stage/why is this issue relevant?) and conclusion (summarizing positions, including ethical positions/beliefs/common ground relevant to the discussion) Student #2: historical background on the issue Students #3: pro side including research Student #4: con side including research

Tips for an excellent class discussion

Think about good leading questions to get the discussion going. Example: What experience from your own background comes to play when you think about this issue? Encourage a balanced discussion by asking for opposing viewpoints Be creative on how to solicit input Validate contributions with positive affirmations

Small group discusson on Sittser: Part 3

How do you respond to this quote: I think often about the course my life has taken and how weighty my choices have been. It is staggering to consider the cumulative effect of even one choice, which, once made, is impossible to reverse. Which is harder for you to give up regarding your past: regret or bitterness? Do you struggle more with fear (of known) or worry and anxiety (unknown)? Was anything in these chapters helpful to you? Describe a kairos moment, defined as the wonder of the present moment.