Physical education teachers’ experiences in teaching lower secondary students in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

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ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate secondary physical education teachers’ beliefs, ideas and classroom practices while teaching secondary students at lower secondary schools in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). There were seven physical education teachers who were snowball-sampled and selected and who consented to participate in this study, sharing their thoughts, perspectives and experiences related to physical education. A constant comparative analysis method was used to analyse the data, resulting in four themes: (a) creating new and safe physical education equipment for lower secondary school students, (b) struggling to modify physical activities and lessons during rainy seasons, (c) defining teacher development between immaturity and maturity in teaching physical education and (d) reflecting grading philosophy and evaluating students’ performance in physical education. To enhance the quality of physical education classes, school districts need clear and focused goals related to national standards, assessment, evaluation and strategic planning in physical education curriculum design at lower secondary schools.