Mr. Rapert

Dre Wheeler

Mr. Raport

Dre Wheeler

Mr. Raport

alles

destructive competition is the only means to survival. I think
that evidence from history does show that this pugnacity and
aggressiveness, insofar as it is dostructive of others, can be
directed into sports aud games so that the glamour and desire for
war or conguest is transported into constructive and enjoyable
channels e

New, in the pest, Dre Whecler, physicsl education has not attempted
tc keep pace with osycholcogy, In the Umited States we are behind
other cowatries in this respect. De yeu think that the science of
psychology has much to offer physical education?

You have ine on tho spot, Jim. In spite of the fact that it may
sound Like toeting one’s cwn horn, experiments show beyond doubt
that physical education can be madc adequate only as it applies
the laws of nsycholugy and physiclugy. There are definite psych»
ological principles to follow in acquiring bedily coordination,
in achieving skill along any line. Thoro are psychological laws
to foliow in promoting interest in physical education.

Yes, that is quite true, Dr. Wheeler. For example, in the teache
ing of physical education here at the University of Kansas I've
carried on some experimental worke Om the basis of the results of
my exporimental work I've found that the method of teaching which

I have called the "recreational method" in physical education is
the best method for teaching skills and games in physical education.
We can teach students the elements of boxing and fencing and tennis
in an extremely short time so that they can enjoy the game as
quickly as possible, if our teaching is consistent with the laws

of psychology and physiology. In other words, we approach the
student as an individual psycho-physical whole, Dre Wheeler, could
you tell us a little more about one of these psychological prin-
ciples, and the way in which we acquire bodily coordination?

Yes, indee ds It might intorest the radio listeners of this com-
munity to know that Dr. Ge E. Coghill, who was formerly head of
the Department of Anatomy at tho University of Kansas, while he
was here made a very important ciscoverv about how the nerves of
the body control. the muscles in the course of acquiring coordin=
ation or skille We do not begin by making movements of the differ-
ent parts of the body separately and independently of one another,
Skill is not built up by putting together so many pieces of movee
ment like bricks in building a house. Instead we proceed the other
waye We make mass movements first and finally learn how to mani-
pulate a specific muscle by discovering the part it has to play in
the course of moving the body as 2 whole, The body as a whole is
in action even though it looks as if we were moving only our hands
or feet. It is too long a story to teli here in detail, but an
illustration may make the puint a little clearer. Can you wiggle
your ears, Jim?

No, I don't believe I can, Dre Wheelers