Date of Award

1990

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Education Honours

School

School of Education

Faculty

Western Australian College of Advanced Education

First Supervisor

Jennifer Browne

Second Supervisor

Stephen Simpson

Abstract

The nonparticipation of girls in coeducational physical education and physical recreation is of continuing concern to physical educators. It is apparent through observation that numerous girls opt out of physical activity by providing a variety of excuses or simply by remaining unchanged for physical education classes. The purpose of this study was to explore the stated reasons for the nonparticipation by Year 10 girls in coeducational physical education at Lynwood Senior High School. The primary technique utilized in ascertaining information was the structured interview format. Each Year 10 girl who presented to physical educ3tion classes as a nonparticipant was interviewed individually to determine reasons for nonparticipation. The corresponding class teacher was also interviewed to provide additional information regarding participation patterns. In addition, an analysis of notes presented to the teacher allowed a comparison with excuses given in the student interview. Document analysis of the Student Handbook (1989), School policy and physical. Education class rolls served to determine student nonparticipant numbers and school nonparticipation policy. This enabled an examination of the extent of the problem at the selected school. On average, 24.15% of the girls in each Year 10 physical education class did not participate during the two week period of this study. There were three main stated reasons that were causing female nonparticipation at the school. The most predominant factor found to be causing nonparticipation was girls not bringing their physical education uniform. Secondly, it was evident that a dislike of a specific sport (touch football) was resulting in a number of girls opting out of physical education. The final factor identified was a variety of medical problems.

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