National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education

Academic Preparation for the 21^st Century Student

The NAKPEHE National Conference

January 5-8, 2005

Hilton El Conquistador Resort, Tucson, AZ

Call for Proposals

Our recent NAKPEHE conferences have focused on topics dealing with partnerships, accountability, technology, assessment and the promotion of physical activity. The 2005 Conference theme will hopefully stimulate quality dialogue amongst the professionals in our sub-disciplines regarding the professional preparation of our students in the academy. As we enter the 21^st century, our professional preparation programs are faced with many challenges to effectively educate our students to meet the demands of this new era. Are we preparing students with the knowledge, skills and commitment to meet these challenges? This conference will provide a forum for us to discuss and debate administrative, curriculum and other related issues facing higher education professionals to most effectively prepare the 21^st Century student.

The following thought-provoking questions are proposed to help us critically assess what we are doing or can do better to effectively prepare the students in our various sub-disciplines to meet the professional demands of the 21^st Century:

… Should there be a change in the focus of physical education programs for students in higher education? Should physical education be a core element in a comprehensive university education in the 21^st Century?

… What is the importance of wellness and physical activity in a university education? What courses/programs will be most effective in improving the health and wellness of our 21^st Century university students? Should physical education be required for all students at the university level?

… How can we improve our professional preparation programs so that our students can meet the demands and changes required in the 21^st Century? Are we effectively preparing our students to possess the knowledge, skills and commitment to be most effective in their future professional endeavors?

… Do we need to revise/update our curricula and courses to better meet their needs? Are the core courses and concentrations in our major programs sufficient to meet the professional needs of the 21^st Century student? Are we providing our students with the appropriate technological courses and experiences to prepare them for their profession?

… Do we need to re-evaluate our courses and experiences in the practical application of the theories learned in core courses to better prepare students for their professions? For example, do they need more and/or improved practicum and internship experiences and, if so, in which professional settings should these take place to be most effective?

… Are we providing our students with experiences and coursework that will instill an appreciation for the importance of social justice and cultural diversity in their profession and in society as a whole?

… How can we as higher education professionals in various sub-disciplines interconnect and develop interdisciplinary strategies to improve the professional preparation of the 21^st Century student?

The above questions are only a small sample of many possible questions that will hopefully evoke reflection and critical assessment of our present professional preparation programs in all of our sub-disciplines. What questions do you pose? What challenges do you face in your discipline for effective academic preparation of the 21^st Century student? What solutions do you propose? How can our sub-disciplines work together with a common goal of improving academic preparation of our students and ultimately make an impact on society at large. Please join us at the 2005 NAKPEHE Conference in Tucson to share your ideas, analyze and reflect on the future direction of our professional preparation programs.

To submit a proposal for the 2005 NAPEHE Conference, visit: www.nakpehe.org. Proposals are due September 30, 2004. For additional proposal or conference information, contact Bill Forbes at [email protected] or call 410-704-4555.