Enhancing Participation Rate of Learners with Physical Health Challenges Toward Quality Physical Education Improvement Plan

Abstract

This quantitative study analyzed learners' achievement with physical health challenges in physical education classes, focusing on increasing their participation. The study evaluated the background of the teacher participants and found that most of the teaching staff were relatively young and female, with a sizable proportion between the ages of 30 - 34 having 1 to 10 years of teaching experience. With moderate attendance in professional development training, additional training focused on pedagogical approaches would enhance support for learners with physical health challenges. The data suggested that learners with physical health challenges participate in physical activities with suitable assistive tools and a conducive atmosphere. Accessible sports equipment and facilities and positive sociocultural attitudes significantly determine participation, underscoring the role of appropriate ownership of schools and adaptable frameworks. The teachers used various teaching methods, including differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, task simplification, and positive feedback, which facilitated active participation by all learners. The research additionally found marked differences in the level of involvement as a function of teacher instructional experience and professional development, while students' gender did not affect engagement. Instructional strategy choice differed among male and female teachers and between more and less experienced teachers. Additionally, the strong positive relationship (r = 0.82, p = 0.00) between teaching techniques and learner involvement marks the centrality of active teaching in the inclusion of PE classes. To meet the outlined difficulties, a Quality Physical Education Improvement Plan was designed to provide specific strategies to increase participation levels and foster broader inclusivity within the PE program. This data underlines the gaps regarding consistent support in professional development, incorporating multi-faceted teaching methods and adaptable frameworks for physical education.