Looking back on my public school journey through K-12th grade, it is hard to forget gym class. Technically called Physical Education, this nationwide requirement has forced kids to exercise for periods of time, experience team work, and learn about the value of an active life style. There is no doubt that there is some value in requiring kids to participate in gym class. Gym class has a respectable mission: “The healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful,” (1). However, I question whether physical education is effective and if its value is worth the time and resources.
Although it varies from school to school, Physical Education as a whole is not an effective solution to promote fitness for a few reasons. First, the short time period (30 minutes after changing) only 2-3 times a week is not nearly enough for a child to become fit. Yes, burning maybe 100-200 calories a few times a week is a little helpful but not much. A week of gym may burn off a hotdog lunch if the student tries during the class. How often do kids try though? The second problem is that it is very easy in the majority of gym classes to not try at all. From what I remember, it is typically the kids who are obese that tend to try the least as well. Lastly, think about some of the most common gym class games: kickball, baseball, hiding in a parachute, Frisbee, etc. Some of the most popular games require almost no movement at all. Kickball, for instance, requires very little motion. In summary, gym class is has little impact in actually helping children become fit.
Consider how much time gym class takes up over the course of 12 years. Referencing my former schools, gym class is taken as frequently as core subjects like Math and Science. Is this really the best use of a student’s time? Classes devoted to computer programming, accounting, Excel, or SAT prep are some of the many more beneficial alternatives. In terms of resources, a school must have a gymnasium, gym equipment/toys, and a gym teacher. Although the gymnasium can be used for other purposes (basketball team, special events, etc) the other resources are entirely dedicated to Physical Education. Investing in more academic resources, after school activities, or even healthier lunches seems like a better allocation of funds.
The question is what is the best way to tackle the problem? Should Physical Education be completely removed as a requirement? Should the structure of gym be changed? There are numerous potential solutions. What do you think would be best?
- http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Physical_Education/
Hey!
I spent my HS years here between the US and Canada and experienced a very ineffective physical education program as you describe. However, before I went to the states I went to a school in Madrid called ‘Estudio’ that has a long history of emphasizing physical education as an essential component of holistic education. I had never been too keen on this class before I arrived at this school but my perspective completely changed once I saw how well run. Gym class happened for a two hour period every day (including time to change, shower, etc.). It happened every day of the week with a different daily focus (Conditioning, basketball, gymnastics…) and substituted breaks. When I first heard this I thought it would be awful but quickly came to love it due to amazing teachers that taught us key life lessons during gym, took us running in the countryside and taught us about a wide variety of topics. If it is taken seriously and given status within the school culture, gym class can be very effective (no one in school ever complained about not having a break or having gym every day, regardless of athletic ability).
Hi Luke,
I always had friends in high school who struggled with the necessity of gym class class as well. Even as college students now, there are many who share a similar viewpoint now to have KINES classes removed as part of their Gen-Ed experience. I believe that the current structure of gym class can be changed to ensure a better experience for all students but that ultimately it should stay as a mandatory part of our education system. While these classes may take away from the time needed to meet the state mandated education requirements, gym remains extremely beneficial to our school experience as a way for the majority of students to release daily stress or anxiety and be exposed to some team sports or activities. I will not say that all students would be obese or contract health problems without a gym class in their schedule, but mandating that half hour for gym class does make a difference to curb the issue. This class does not have a 100% effectiveness rate with all students fully grasping the core message of the class of course, but I think it is effective with the majority of students. Also to be honest, I cannot remember one class in high school that had 100% of students fully grasping the core message and learning from the class. Classes can be a hit or miss with students, and looking at some of the benefits to mandating a gym class even with their drawbacks, gym class still seems necessary to me as a part of the education system.
I complained so much about gym when I took it, and I still think that varsity athletes should have some sort of out when they’re already doing so much physical activity! On the other hand, though, I don’t think gym is necessarily all about getting kids fit. It’s about introducing people to different kinds of activities that they might want to try later, about getting kids out of their seats for a little while, and (at the younger ages), giving them a chance to run off some of their excess energy. Yes, math and science are important, but a little bit of exercise can also go a long way!
Hi,
Gym class was always a struggle for many of my fellow classmates and friends but being athletic it was always my favorite time of the day. So obviously I am a little biased about the situation but I still have a strong argument about removing it. I do not believe that gym class is all about losing calories and becoming fit just in those couple hours a week (you’re right that would do nothing for anyone). But i do believe that this class is a time during the day to take a break, relax and get your endorphins going. Any exercise is better than no exercise.
Your point with the type of games and activities that you do in P.E could be changed to increase everyones activity. That is a great point. If you are going to have students become active for the class period you should be demonstrating activities that keep them active so it is not a waste of time.
I completely understand your point of view when it comes to removing P.E but I think kids attending high school and below need a break from school. There is no way that I can sit in a chair for eight hours as I was lectured and doing work. People need to get up and moving to make sure that their attention is maintained throughout the entire class. But those are just my opinions. i do see how you could argue that gym class is a waste of time though.