High School Physical Education and its Effect on Fitness Facility Participation After Graduation: A Case Study

David Barney,Nathan Kahaialii

doi:10.24112/ajper.251915

Abstract

For those that send off their child into the world, it is hoped they will recall what was taught to them. This applies to high school (HS) physical education (PE) teachers and their students that graduate from HS. The purpose of this case study was to assess current HS PE effect in fitness facility participation by interviewing HS PE teachers, fitness facility personnel, current fitness facility participants and current HS students. Participants from these four groups were interviewed to help better understand the preparation of graduated HS students participating in a fitness facility. From this case study three of the four groups felt they had and were being prepared to be successful in health clubs and those activities that are found in health clubs. This study sheds light on the fact that HS PE is the last opportunity of a student to be involved in an organized class that has real world application.

Highlights

For many parent’s it is hoped that they have taught their children the proper skills that will help them be successful adults when they leave their homes to go out into the world
The following themes from the data came from the four groups of participants: 1) fitness center personnel, 2) high school (HS) physical education (PE) teachers, 3) Participants of the fitness center, and 4) current HS students that were enrolled in a PE class
Fitness Facility Personal The fitness facility personnel was of the opinion that participants that recently graduated from HS weren’t as knowledgeable when they first come to the fitness center

Summary

Introduction

For many parent’s it is hoped that they have taught their children the proper skills that will help them be successful adults when they leave their homes to go out into the world. PE teachers hope they have taught their students the appropriate and necessary skills to be successful adults when it involves being physically active throughout their whole life. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE, 2004) document regarding Appropriate Practices in High School Physical Education states “the primary purpose of physical education is to help adolescents gain skills and knowledge to be physically active for a lifetime” (p.5) Along this line The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001, p.7) has described the purpose of HS PE as “increasing student participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity and to help high school students gain the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to engage in lifelong physical activity.”. Along this line The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001, p.7) has described the purpose of HS PE as “increasing student participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity and to help high school students gain the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to engage in lifelong physical activity.” These statements emphasize the impact HS PE can have on a student throughout their life

Results

Discussion

Conclusion