Background/Purpose
Attitude differences between Saudi Arabian middle and high school students toward physical education were investigated based on school level, gymnasium availability, skill level, and participation in physical activities outside of school.
Method
After obtaining IRB approval and parental consent, 230 middle school and 250 high school students representing 17 Saudi Arabian schools completed the survey. Demographic information was obtained and participants responded to questions pertaining to their physical education experience. The 33-item survey was divided into four sections: personal satisfaction of physical education classes,attitudes towards teaching, attitudes towards curriculum, and attitudes toward facilities and equipment. A 5 point Likert scale was used to measure the data.
Analysis/Results
Attitudes toward teachers, curriculum, facilities and equipment were measured using t-tests and ANOVA with Tukey as the follow up test. Results indicated that a) high school students had more positive attitudes towards physical education than middle school students in terms of personal satisfaction, b) students who had access to a gymnasium had more positive attitudes than students who did not have access to a gymnasium, c) students who practiced daily physical activities outside of school had more positive attitudes than students who either practiced weekly, monthly, or did not practice.
Conclusions
Equipment and facilities seem to play a part in students attitudes toward physical education. Given the arid climate in Saudi Arabia officials may want to investigate giving students more access to gymnasiums.