An Exploration of One Girl’s Experiences in Elective Physical Education: Why Does She Continue?

Authors

  • Jennifer Gruno University of Victoria
  • Sandra Gibbons University of Victoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11575/ajer.v62i2.56157

Keywords:

Case study, girls, tailored, curriculum, adolescent, Mots clés, étude de cas, filles, adapté, programme d’études

Abstract

Participation in high school Physical Education (PE) contributes to the overall health of adolescents. However, many girls discontinue enrollment in PE as soon as the mandatory credits are met. Tailored PE courses designed to meet the needs and interests of girls may motivate them to continue participating in PE. This case study explored one girl’s story of her past experiences in PE, as well as her current experiences in a tailored elective PE course. We explored how this girl’s experiences with the course content, learning environment, and assessment affected her perceptions of PE. Findings emphasized the importance of variety within PE course content, a welcoming environment, fair and private assessment, and feelings of confidence, social safety, and competence for girls in PE.

La participation aux cours d’éducation physique à l’école secondaire contribue à la santé générale des adolescents. Toutefois, plusieurs adolescentes arrêtent de s’inscrire aux cours d’éducation physique dès qu’elles ont obtenu le nombre obligatoire de crédits. Des cours adaptés pour répondre aux besoins et aux intérêts des filles pourraient les motiver à continuer à s’inscrire aux cours d’éducation physique. Cette étude de cas porte sur le récit d’une adolescente qui raconte, d’une part, ses expériences dans le passé avec des cours d’éducation physique et, d’autre part, ses expériences actuelles dans un cours d’éducation physique adapté et facultatif. Nous nous penchons sur ses expériences relatives au contenu du cours, au milieu d’apprentissage et à l’évaluation pour voir dans quelle mesure ces facteurs ont influencé sa perception de l’éducation physique. Les résultats soulignent l’importance, pour les adolescentes suivant des cours d’éducation physique, de la variété dans le contenu des cours, d’un milieu accueillant, d’une évaluation juste et privée, et de sentiments de confiance, sécurité et compétence.

 

Author Biographies

Jennifer Gruno, University of Victoria

Jennifer Gruno is currently a Doctoral Student in the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education at the University of Victoria.  She has taught Physical Education and English in the Sooke School District, British Columbia for the past 10 years.

Sandra Gibbons, University of Victoria

Sandra Gibbons is a Professor in the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education at the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

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Published

2016-12-07

How to Cite

Gruno, J., & Gibbons, S. (2016). An Exploration of One Girl’s Experiences in Elective Physical Education: Why Does She Continue?. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 62(2), 150–167. https://doi.org/10.11575/ajer.v62i2.56157

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 2 (2016): Summer

Section

ARTICLES

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