Scheduled for Research Consortium Poster Session: Thematic Physical Education Program Standards, Structure, and Support Posters, Thursday, March 15, 2007, 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Area I


Action Research on Interdisciplinary Curriculum in Elementary Physical Education in Hong Kong

Siu-Yin Cheung, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Interdisciplinary approach is the use of more than one discipline in pursuing a particular topic, it should concern with enhancing the possibilities for personal and social integration through the organization of curriculum around significant issues, without regard for subject-area boundaries. This study utilized internal (expands goals of PE beyond physical activity and a physically active lifestyle), external (linking PE with other subjects), and the shared model of interdisciplinary curriculum design. Research team members and physical education teacher of an elementary school designed activities and theme of the curriculum. Objectives were to promote healthy lifestyle for Grade 5 students, to encourage students to learn generic skills: communication, cooperation, collaboration, problem solving and creativity through the following activities: 1) Set exercise goals and recorded exercise patterns (frequency and duration); 2) Projects for different subjects: PE, Mathematics, Chinese, English, Music, Art, Common Knowledge, Information Technology and Civil Education on the theme “My Dream in Beijing Olympics”. Questionnaire on the evaluation of the development of generic skills and comments of the interdisciplinary curriculum was administered to 134 students. Results showed that 79.1 % of students supported that P.E. class should not be only physical skills oriented, other skills should be included. They stated that the top three products of learning from this curriculum were Collaboration skills, Communication skills, and Study skills. Over 83% of student rated that their satisfaction towards PE was above average. Reasons for satisfaction in P.E. were 1) Can do exercise freely; 2 ) Learn lots of knowledge, and 3) Feel very happy. 89 % of students rated that their enjoyment in P.E was high. Ten students were invited to participate in depth interview to gather feedback for the curriculum reform. Results from interview showed that students had improvement in the following generic skills: 1) Study Skills, 2) Collaboration Skills, 3) Communication skills, 4) Information Technology Skills, and 5) Problem Solving Skills. Students reported that they enjoyed this project very much. It had created positive attitude toward PE. They stated that: “I like to exercise now”, “I feel good after doing exercise”, “I use to do exercise now. It is fun; I know more about exercise. It can train my leadership skill”. Therefore, interdisciplinary PE Curriculum should be encouraged and promoted in schools.
Keyword(s): interdisciplinary, physical education PK-12

Back to the 2007 AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition (March 13 -- 17, 2007)