Challenges and Consequences of Diverse Physical Education Implementation Styles in Schools: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

Authors

1 Department of Physical education,, Farhangian University,, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study investigates the challenges, strategies, and consequences of different methods of implementing the main physical education program (teaching, practice, games).

Methods: A qualitative research approach using phenomenology was employed to explore the real-world experiences of middle school physical education teachers in implementing physical education lessons. This research involved 23 experienced physical education teachers with over 10 years of teaching experience in public schools. Through interviews and open-ended questions, the teachers' experiences in implementing physical education lessons were explored and analyzed.

Findings: Based on the interview transcripts, six main methods of implementing physical education lessons were identified: single-sport, fixed multi-sport, rotating multi-sport, and combinations of these three approaches. Additionally, teachers reported various experiences and challenges in implementing physical education lessons. Facilities and equipment, the number and gender of students, insufficient physical education class time, and the diverse preferences and abilities of both students and teachers were identified as significant challenges in implementing physical education lessons.

Conclusion: It is evident that a single, standardized implementation method cannot be prescribed for diverse educational settings. Based on the findings of this study, it is expected that each physical education teacher will select and implement one or more methods that are suitable for their specific teaching environment. Moreover, teachers should adopt innovative solutions to address the challenges encountered during implementation.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Arnold, P. J. (1979). Meaning in movement, sport, and physical education. (No Title)
Baena-Morales, S., Prieto-Ayuso, A., Merma-Molina, G., & González-Víllora, S. (2024). Exploring
physical education teachers’ perceptions of sustainable development goals and education for
sustainable development. Sport, Education and Society, 29(2), 162-179.
Baker, K. (2021). Developing principles of practice for implementing models-based practice: A selfstudy of Physical Education Teacher education practice. Journal of Teaching in Physical
Education, 41(3), 446–454.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in
psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
Casey, A. & MacPhail, A. (2018). Adopting a models-based approach to teaching physical
education. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 23(3), 294–310.
Casey, A., MacPhail, A., Larrson, H. & Quennerstedt, M. (2021). Between hope and happening:
Problematizing the M and the P in models-based practice. Physical Education and Sport
Pedagogy, 26(2), 111–122.
Dania, A. & Griffin, L. L. (2021). Using social network theory to explore a participatory action
research collaboration through social media. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and
Health, 13(1), 41–58.
Dyson, B. (2014). Quality physical education: A commentary on effective physical education
teaching. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 85(2), 144-152.
Gil-Arias, A., Harvey, S., Garcia-Herreros, F., Gonzalez-Villora, S., Praxades, A. & Moreno, A.
(2021). Effect of a hybrid TGfU/Sport Education unit on elementary students’ selfdetermined
motivation in physical education. European Physical Education Review, 27(2), 366–383.
Gutierrez, D. (2016). Game-centered approaches: Different perspectives, same goals-working
together for learning. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 87(S1), S23.
Harvey, S., & Pill, S. (2019). Exploring physical education teachers ‘everyday understandings’ of
physical literacy. Sport, Education and Society.
Headrick, J., Renshaw, I., Davids, K., Pinder, R. & Araujo, D. (2015). The dynamics of expertise
acquisition in sport: the role of affective learning design. Psychology of Sport and Exercise,
16, 83–90.
Jones, R., Harvey, S. & Kirk, D. (2014). Everything is at stake; yet nothing is at stake: exploring
meaning making in game-centred approaches. Sport, Education and Society, 21, 888–906.
Immersive Scenario‐Based Coaching Narratives: A Philosophical Dialogue 57
Kirk, D., & MacPhail, A. (2002). Teaching games for understanding and situated learning:
Rethinking the Bunker-Thorpe model. Journal of teaching in Physical Education, 21(2), 177-
192.
Lebed, F. (2022). Complexity in games teaching and coaching: A multi-disciplinary perspective.
Routledge.
Light, R. (2017). Athlete-centred coaching for individual sports. In Perspectives on athlete-centred
coaching (pp. 139-149). Routledge.
Memmert, D., Almond, L., Bunker, D., Butler, J., Fasold, F., Griffin, L., & Furley, P. (2015). Top
10 research questions related to teaching games for understanding. Research quarterly for
exercise and sport, 86(4), 347-359.
Metzler, M. (2011). Instructional models for physical education. Holcomb Hathaway.
PublisherScottsdale Arizona.
Meyer, J., & Land, R. (2005). Overcoming barriers to student understanding. New York: Taylor &
Francis Limited.
Mitchell, S., Oslin, J. & Griffin, L. (2013). Teaching sports concepts and skills: a tactical games
approach (3rd Ed). Human Kinetics.
Oliver, K. L., Oesterreich, H. A., Aranda, R., Archeleta, J., Blazer, C., de la Cruz, K., … & Robinson,
R. (2015). ‘The sweetness of struggle’: Innovation in physical education teacher education
through student-centered inquiry as curriculum in a physical education methods course.
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 20(1), 97–115.
Ovens, A. & Fletcher, T. (2014). Doing self-study: The art of turning inquiry on yourself. In A.
Pearson, R. J. & Webb, P. (2009). Improving the quality of games teaching to promote physical
activity. In T. Cuddihy & E. Brymer (Eds.), Creating Active Futures: Proceedings of the 26th
ACHPER International Conference 2009 (pp. 405–414).
Pill, S., Penney, D., & Swabey, K. (2012). Rethinking sport teaching in physical education: A case
study of research based innovation in teacher education. Australian Journal of Teacher
Education (Online), 37(8), 118-138.
Rocliffe, P., O’Keeffe, B., Walsh, L., Stylianou, M., Woodforde, J., Garcia-Gonzalez, L., &
MacDonncha, C. (2023). The impact of typical school provision of physical education,
physical activity and sports on adolescent physical activity behaviors: A systematic literature
review. Adolescent Research Review, 8(3), 359-385.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2008). Self-determination theory and the role of basic psychological
needs in personality and the organization of behavior.
Schmidt, R. A., Lee, T. D., Winstein, C., Wulf, G., & Zelaznik, H. N. (2018). Motor control and
learning: A behavioral emphasis. Human kinetics.
Sevil-Serrano, J., Aibar, A., Abós, Á. Generelo, E., & García-González, L. (2022). Improving
motivation for physical activity and physical education through a school-based intervention.
The Journal of Experimental Education, 90(2), 383-403.
Shimizu, N. (2011). A study on professional development of physical education teachers. Report of
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) (20500533). http://hdl.handle.net/2241/115217
Thorpe, R., Bunker, D., & Almosnd, L. (1986). Rethinking games teaching. Department of Physical
Education and Sports Science, University of Technology.
Tinning, R. (2009). Pedagogy and human movement: Theory, practice, research. Routledge.
Tinning, R. (2016). Transformative pedagogies and physical education: Exploring the possibilities
for personal change and social change. In C. Ennis (Ed.), Routledge handbook of physical
education pedagogies (pp. 299–312). Routledge. 
  • Receive Date: 31 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 27 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 04 February 2025
  • First Publish Date: 04 February 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 December 2024