This study aims to develop integrated teaching/learning guidelines for middle-school physical education subject appreciation classes, thus applying them to actual classes and examining corresponding educational effects, in a bid to use the results as...
This study aims to develop integrated teaching/learning guidelines for middle-school physical education subject appreciation classes, thus applying them to actual classes and examining corresponding educational effects, in a bid to use the results as basic data for enhancing the quality of physical education appreciation classes.
Thus, targeting two first-year classes of T Middle School in K city, Gyeonggi-do, the study examined only "expression activity" among the five physical activity areas that physical education textbooks pursue. For expression activities, the appreciation class method was comprehensively applied, and for data gathering methods, participatory observation, in-depth interview, open-type questionnaire survey, and student class essay writing were used. Thus, the following conclusion was reached.
First, physical education subject appreciation classes changed students' awareness about physical education classes as being interesting and enjoyable. The existing function-oriented physical education classes were seen only as dull and hard for students with lower-level physical exercise ability, because they could not easily overcome their exercise incompetence.
However, in expression activity appreciation classes, students with lower-level physical exercise ability could also be positively engaging. As they designed and practices the stories of creative gymnastics together with their classmates, and presented jointly crafted outputs, they could transform their physical exercise ability into physical expression suited to their level of ability.
Also, students presented gymnastic games of their own creation, videotaped their presentation scenes, and appreciated the videos. Thus far, in our physical education classes, after presentation classes were finished, they would not be reviewed. However, in expression activity appreciation classes, students had the activity of reviewing their presentation classes. Thus, students showed interest in physical activity appreciation classes and had an experience in engaging in physical education activity positively.
Second, physical education subject appreciation activity classes brought an important change to students to realize the importance of cooperation. In game classes where students compete physically severely, they tend to cling to the results, because they see the victory as important. However, in case students are excessively eager to win games, if a student makes mistakes, leading his team to lose the game, he will be criticized and booed by his team members and will lose confidence. However, in expression activity appreciation classes, students nearly did not quarrel, but enjoyed classes. They recognized the physical activity as being conducted not by one person alone but by all team members.
Of course, due to the nature of the ‘expression activity’ unit, competition between friends was not significantly manifested compared with other sports events, but in physical education appreciation classes, students took initiatives to present their opinions, thus forming equal relations. Furthermore, an atmosphere of not competition but cooperation was formed, thus boosting friendship among friends.
Third, physical education subject appreciation classes changed students' perception of the importance of appreciation. In athletic events which consider functions important, there is a difference in already accumulated capabilities, and it requires high athletic functions to narrow the gap. For students with lower-level exercise ability, such ability gap is considered impossible to overcome. Thus, they naturally give up physical education classes. However, in physical education subject appreciation classes, the athletic function difference does not matter very much.
Students were required to appreciate videos and films and to comment on the results. As a result, students who were shy of gymnastic games gradually took interest in them through videos and films on gymnastics, and when they actually practiced gymnastics on the playground, they enjoyed games. Also, students were required to appreciate their friends' presentation scenes and to express results of appreciation differently, leading them to recognize the importance of appreciation. To date, in physical education classes, students have regarded only the results of games as important, but in appreciation classes, they grasped the process of the results being made, and expressed themselves in their favorite way.
Students not only expressed physical activities, but also expressed their appreciation using diverse methods such as essay writing, poem writing, letter writing, poster and pamphlet production, broadcasting gymnastic scenes, and discussion. These indirect activities motivated students with lower-level athletic ability to positively engage in physical education classes.
In summary, physical education subject appreciation classes met diverse student needs, and allowed students to experience natural physical activities through new creative activities, and to significantly enhance their self confidence and potential creativity. Students improved their relations, increased their interest in the new style of classes, and were motivate to engage in classes positively. Also, students with lower-level learning ability, who had given up classes, were able to enjoy classes with the help of their classmates.
Thus, physical education subject appreciation classes with the application of integrated teaching/learning strategies had a positive educational effect on students, thus making it possible to present them as a measure of physical education classes. They are considered to positively activate physical education classes and to enhance the quality of physical education classes.