Physical Education Faculty

Ph.D: Human Performance (Sport Pedagogy), The University of Alabama

M.A: Kinesiology (Sport Management), California State University, Long Beach

B.Ed: Kinesiology (Physical Education), National Taiwan Normal University

Selected Publications

Chen, Y. (2026). Physical activity level of homeschool children and families: A pilot study. Home School Researcher, 40(3), 1-6. https://nheri.org/physical-activity-level-of-homeschool-children-and-families-a-pilot-study/

Chen, Y. (2026). Early field experience in an elementary physical education methods course: Creating and implementing a field day for homeschoolers. The Physical Educator, 83(3), 360-381.https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2026-V83-I3-12909

Chen, Y. (2026). The effects of heart rate feedback and extrinsic reward on students' activity level in elementary physical education. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 15(1), 61-68. https://doi.org/10.54392/ijpefs2615

Chen, Y., & Jacques, L. (2025). Creating and performing educational gymnastics using computational thinking skills. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 44(3), 468-476. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2024-0066

Chen, Y. (2025). Professional collaboration: Team lesson planning and team teaching in a health and physical education methods course. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 96(5), 51-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2025.2475724

Woodard, K. F., & Chen, Y. (2025). Effects of jump rope lessons on physical skills, inhibitory control, and perceived enjoyment of elementary students. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 44(2), 296-305. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2023-0388

Chen, Y., & Myers, B. (2025). Impact of physical educators’ appearance and sex on elementary school students’ learning and perceptions of the teachers. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 44(2), 317-329. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2023-0285

Chen, Y. (2025). Effects of music and lyrics on activity level and perceived enjoyment in elementary physical education. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 14(1), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.54392/ijpefs2513

Chen, Y., & McCreary, A. (2025). The impacts of environmental education on homeschoolers’ attitudes toward nature. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 25(1), 84-99. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2024.2372395

Chen, Y., & Myers, B. (2024). Associations between physical educators’ appearance and sex and high school pupils’ cognitive performance and perceptions of teacher characteristics. European Physical Education Review, 30(4), 650-670. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X241240421

Chen, Y., McCreary, A., & Stenger-Ramsey, T. L. (2024). Effectiveness of an outdoor education program with homeschool students. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 16(1), 55-66. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11950  

Myers, B., & Chen, Y. (2023). Effect of physical educators’ appearance and sex on middle school students’ learning outcomes and perceptions of teacher effectiveness. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 12(4), 36-49. https://doi.org/10.54392/ijpefs2344

Chen, Y. (2021). Kill two birds with one stone: Two PETE courses exploring experiential learning in one early field experience. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 92(9), 18-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2021.1977745

Chen, Y., Schilling, T., & Rowland, J. (2019). Holicraze days: Part deux. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 32(2), 3-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2018.1539364

Schilling, T., Chen, Y., & Rowland, J. (2019). Holicraze days: Implementing unique holiday activities in physical activity settings – Part 1. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 32(1), 24-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2018.1538835

Chen, Y. (2016). Trash to treasure: Using recyclables in physical activity settings. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 87(7), 45-51. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2016.1202801

Chen, Y., & Curtner-Smith, M. D. (2015

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Kentucky Society of Health and Physical Educators (Kentucky SHAPE; KySHAPE)

​President-Elect, Board of Directors (2026−present)

​Application Scorer, Elementary Teacher of the Year (May 2026)

General VP, Board of Directors (2024-2026)

Kentucky SHAPE Journal

Co-Editor (2024−present)

Research in the Schools

Copy Editor (2026−present)

Editorial Board Member

Journal of Education and Training Studies (2017−present)

Journal of International Education and Practice (2019-25)

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

University Service

​Member, University Senate, Faculty Handbook Committee (2026−present)

Grant Reviewer, Office of Sponsored Programs, Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) Grants (2024-26)

College Service

Member, CHHS Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (2023-25)

Member, CHHS Strategic Planning Workgroup: Community Engagement (2021−25)

School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport

Coordinator & Instructor, Homeschool Physical Education Program (2023−present)

Member, Pedagogical Assistant Professor of Physical Education Faculty Search Committee (2025)

Member, T&P Guidelines and Portfolio Review Committee (2024)

School of Teacher Education

University Supervisor, Office of Professional Educator Services, Student-Teaching Experience (Spring 2025−present)

Member, Physical Education Proficiency Portfolio Review Committee (April-May 2026)

Member, Office of Professional Educator Services, Director Search Committee (2024)

Department of Mathematics

​Session Instructor, Minding My Math Business Summer Camp (June 2025, June 2026)

BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY

Member, BG 26.2 & Half Marathon and BG 6000 Planning Committee (April 2026−present)

Member, BikeWalkBG Active Mobility Working Group (March 2026−present)

Coordinator, Homeschool Field Day (May 2024, May 2025, May 2026)

Volunteer, BikeWalkBG Bike Rodeo Events (April-May 2026)

Member, Ky SHAPE (2021−present)

Member, SHAPE America (2011−present)

Member, National Society of Physical Education of the Republic of China (2019-22)

Member, LAHPERD (2