The objective of this research is to examine the level and the total amount of the students' physical activity, the lesson context, the teaching behavior of the teachers, and the students' perception of the teaching and learning in school physical edu...
The objective of this research is to examine the level and the total amount of the students' physical activity, the lesson context, the teaching behavior of the teachers, and the students' perception of the teaching and learning in school physical education classes through the analysis of 7th and 8th grade (13-14 year olds) physical education classes from an ecological perspective.
For the experiment in this research, classes in a school situated in a metropolitan area with a population of over 1,000,000, a school in a smaller city with a population of 300,000, two schools in smaller towns with populations under 50,000 were recorded on film, and SOFIT analyses, activity level measurements using pedometers, and surveys on students' perception of teaching and learning in physical education classes were performed on a total of 30 classes.
The collected data was put through frequency analysis in order to compare and analyze the students' level and amount of physical activity, their perception, and the behavior of the teachers according to region, school type, school year, and gender. Moreover, independent sample t-tests were performed for the following criteria: school year, levels of activity amongst male and female students, and amount of activity. Additionally, one-way ANOVA analyses were performed on the levels and amount of physical activity according to school type, region, and type of exercise. In instances where deviations between groups occurred, Scheffe verification was undertaken via the Post-Hoc method.
The results of this research can be summarized as such:
Firstly, the length of class time averaged 35.2 minutes (±5.4), in 7th grade classes and 36.2 minutes (±7.3) in the 8th grade for a 40-minute-long class, using about 88% and 91% of the prescribed time respectively. Comparing the two different years, the 8th grade classes were found to last approximately one minute longer than the 7th grade classes.
The results for analyzing the amount of physical activity during time allotted for task engagement showed that, between different genders, male students were more physically active than female students (t=2.370, p<.05). Between students of different school years, 8th graders displayed more activity than 7th graders, scoring 1.57(±.41) and 1.38(±.44) respectively.
Examinations of differences in physical activeness according to sport showed soccer to score 1.44, basketball 1.82, gymnastics 1.30, field and track 1.19, and handball 1.42, with basketball, soccer, handball, gymnastics, field and track showing more physical exertion in that order.
Secondly, the results of class material analysis demonstrated that 74.2% and 90.5% of 7th and 8th grade Physical Education classes respectively were taught with an emphasis on technique. The majority of classes in Physical Education were centered on the acquirement of motor skills and placed their priorities on the polishing of technical skills in traditional teacher-centered methods of instruction.
Thirdly, the results of using pedometers to analyze the amount of student activity during class showed a distinct contrast between students of different gender in levels of activity, calorie consumption, and total distance of movement per class hour. In addition, differences in region(metropolitan, cities and towns), form of school (co-ed, girls-only, boys-only), and type of sport also exhibited different levels of physical activity.
Analysis of in-class student activity using pedometer showed that male middle school students on average were more physically active than female students, and that amongst female students, those who attended co-educational schools tended to be more active than those who attended girls-only schools. On the other hand, male students in boys-only schools had a tendency to be more physically active than their peers in co-ed schools. As for activeness levels in each sport, basketball provided the most activity, with handball, soccer, and field and track following behind in that order and gymnastics showing the least activity.
Measurement of the students' total in-class physical activity using pedometers deviated little from the results of the SOFIT analysis of task engagement time.
Fourth, observations of the instructors' teaching methods showed that "lesson instruction“ and "class observation” to take up 84.1% of the 7th graders' class time; for the 8th graders, 80.5%.
In the time allotted for task engagement, the teachers usually instructed the students in technique, provided feedback on the students' performance, and observed individuals or the class as a whole.
Fifth, the survey concerning the students' satisfaction with the class showed that the students were generally content with their current classes, described the most significant objective for participating in Physical Education classes as being to benefit from "physical exercise and improved health", and sought from their classes stress relief, leisure, autonomy, and opportunities for free activities, such as cycling, swimming, etc. In addition, male students tended to favor team sports, while female students favored free activities when inquired about preferred class choices.