Date of Award

10-3-1991

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education, Health & Behavior Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this study is a review of research literature in swimming instruction since 1968. Such a review may be used by swimming instructors as a basis for aquatic instruction and curriculum development.The source of the data for this study was a review of literature from 1968 to the present published by organizations such as the American Red Cross and YMCA, professional journal articles, and textbooks written by recognized authorities.Some disagreement exists in the literature on the best method of adjusting the beginning swimmer to the water and how the initial experience in water relates to the fear of water that many beginning swimmers of all ages may have. The issue of adjustment to the water needs to be more fully understood so further research is recommended by this writer. Aquatic instruction for the beginning swimmer must include a satisfactory adjustment to water in order that fears may be overcome as a concommitant to the successful learning of swimming strokes.Changing the progression of skill development used when teaching a beginning swimmer is another conclusion from the review of literature. The use of equipment while teaching a beginning swimmer in the development of swimming skills is a point of contention related to the progression of skill development which is evident in the literature. Further research to clarify these issues is a recommendation of the study.The need for greater instructor knowledge about physical laws and the effect which these laws have on aquatics performance was suggested by the review of research. The study recommends more instructor knowledge about the development of physical conditioning and physical fitness and for continued research regarding the most effective teaching skills and techniques for the development of physical fitness as part of the development of aquatic skills.The literature is devoid of research designed to understand the role of the individual's motivation and the development of aquatic skills. It is recommended that more research be conducted to better understand this relationship. Research is also needed to study the expectations of the beginning swimmer to ascertain how these expectations may influence the development of swimming competence.Research on the specific knowledge base and instructional techniques a good teacher in aquatics must possess and utilize should continue to be the subject of inquiry in the aquatics education field.

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