Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0418-5585

Date Available

8-12-2025

Year of Publication

2025

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Education (PED)

College

Education

Department/School/Program

Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Faculty

Heather Erwin

Abstract

This dissertation includes three pieces of writing that aim to show the importance of physical activity for all ages but specifically college-aged students. The first piece of writing (Chapter 2) includes a teaching tip written for the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Research has shown that dance was a subject of the past and many teachers did not feel comfortable teaching it. This practical piece was written to help show K-12 physical education teachers effective ways to involve students in physical activity specifically through teaching dance, mainly through using the “Teaching Dance for Understanding” model.

The second section (Chapter 3) includes a pilot study manuscript discussing college students’ motivations for exercise. Research shows that college students’ exercise habits are significantly lower after college and some after high school before entering college. Results of this study found that college students were exercising to have better health and build their strength. Participants’ health and appearance were the top reasons chosen for exercising, and males demonstrated a higher motivation for exercise than females.

The final section (Chapter 4) includes a dissertation study exploring college students’ motivations for physical activity while taking a health and wellness course. This study aims to show the type of impact taking a health and wellness course can have on a college student’s motivation to be physically active. This study uses a survey instrument grounded in the Self-Determination Theory.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.403

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