A Lasting Impression: A Pedagogical Perspective on Youth Fitness Testing

Abstract

This article addresses ways in which fitness tests can be used positively in physical education. We take the position throughout the article that fitness tests should be used as formative evaluation to further educational goals. We begin by discussing the different ways in which adults and children use fitness tests. The next section, the heart of the article, provides guidelines for incorporating fitness testing into the physical education curriculum and maintains that: (a) fitness testing should be implemented as an integral part of fitness instruction; (b) fitness testing results should be used to assess fitness instruction and student learning; and (c) the expectation should be that all children have the potential to meet basic health-related fitness standards. The final section focuses on the related issues of students' perceptions of fitness tests and ways to assist teachers in productively implementing fitness tests.