Outsourcing Swimming Education-Experiences and Challenges.

Bjørn Harald Olstad,Pernille Ravn Berg,Per-Ludvik Kjendlie

doi:10.3390/ijerph18010006

Bjørn Harald Olstad, Pernille Ravn Berg + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010006

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Abstract

In Norway, swimming and lifesaving education (swimming education) is an obligatory part of physical education, with explicit learning aims after grade four. After recent reports of Norwegian pupils achieving low scores in swimming abilities, the Government has outlined strategies for improving swimming education. There is a notable trend toward using external providers in delivering swimming education. This article examines the outsourcing of swimming education in Norwegian primary schools. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with school leaders, physical education teachers and swimming instructors involved in outsourcing arrangements. The outsourcing was organized through private providers, municipalities, or local swimming clubs. Data were analyzed thematically and separated into highlighted areas of outsourcing practices. The results showed that outsourcing may be a solution for schools that lack staff with swimming experience and knowledge. It also indicates that teacher courses, professional development through collaboration, and strategies for measuring quality would improve swimming education.

Highlights

Norway is a country wrapped in sea, divided by fjords, and filled with lakes and rivers
This study indicated that problems with resources and hours available meant that some schools did not deliver the swimming education their pupils needed to achieve the aims of swimming in physical education
This study aimed to explore different mechanisms and consequences relating to the use of external providers in swimming education for Norwegian primary schools

Summary

Introduction

Norway is a country wrapped in sea, divided by fjords, and filled with lakes and rivers. Each year a relatively high number of people drown: In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the numbers were 94, 102, and 86, respectively [1]. This is a rate of 1.8 drownings per 100,000 inhabitants. Swimming education in school is considered one way to prevent drownings, and of allowing pupils to discover the joy and freedom of good swimming abilities [2]. Swimming abilities can be defined as being able to move through the water with effective propulsion, enjoying the water, and mastering a variety of skills, both over and under the water [3]. During the 1980s, there was a mutual agreement between the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, the Norwegian Swimming Federation and the Norwegian Lifesaving

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