Japanese adult learners’ experiences in an online social justice and diversity recurrent education program in sport and physical activity

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate Japanese adult learners’ experiences in online recurrent education modules with a focus on race, ethnicity, disability, assessment, and multicultural education to raise social justice and diversity awareness among adult learners, and promote positive change through sport and physical activity. This study employed a descriptive qualitative design using a semi-structured interview approach. The research site was an online recurrent education program in sport and physical activity organised by the Japan Sport Council (JSC). Seven participants (two female and five male) who were members of the JSC and attended the recurrent education modules were conveniently selected for this study. A constant comparative analysis method was used to interpret the data, with three themes emerging from the data: (a) importance of culturally relevant strategies when working with youth with ethnically diverse backgrounds, (b) concept learning about social inclusion in sport and physical activity, and (c) professional learning about assessment and evaluation. The findings indicate the value and impact of social justice and diversity recurrent education for the professional growth of Japanese adult learners, and suggest the need for high quality online facilitation to advance knowledge and professional skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.