Reflective Voices: Understanding University Students’ Experiences of Urban High School Physical Education

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand first-year college students’ reflections on past physical education (PE) experiences in urban high school settings. Method: Data collection included semi-structured, open-ended, qualitative interviews. Constant comparison method was used for data analysis. Results: Several findings emerged: (a) unfavorable teaching conditions; (b) lack of enthusiasm, teach-ing, caring, and structure; (c) teacher–coach role conflict; (d) favoritism toward athletic students; and (e) sexism in teaching. Discussion/Conclusion: Students desired improvement of urban PE programs, including development of a diversified curriculum in which nontraditional sports and activities are offered, more in-depth coverage of sports that students care about, and provision of adequate equipment and resources to promote student engagement in PE. Subscribe to TPE