What students learn at net ball game play?; student's conception in children's drawings

Background and purpose For authentic education, it has been suggested that it is important to grasp what students really learn in PE lessons. From the constructivist perspective, it has been pointed out that, during learning... [ view full abstract ]

Background and purpose

For authentic education, it has been suggested that it is important to grasp what students really learn in PE lessons. From the constructivist perspective, it has been pointed out that, during learning experiences, students construct their own new knowledge based on prior knowledge and principles, and add value regarding the importance of studying student conceptions. Therefore this study would lead to know authentic real PE learning by student side. Net ball games have characteristic way to learn ‘play’ and it placed in takes an important place in elementary PE curriculum. Some research report what strategy student learned in this model, but it not archived enough to clear whole student’s conception. Thus the purpose of this study is to investigate what elementary school students learn in net ball units through their conceptions of ball game play.

Methods

Data was collected by analyzing students’ drawing, writing, and responses to interview questions after each PE lessons. In a period of two weeks including 4 net game lessons for 6th grade(n=29) students, 115 drawn and written descriptions emerged. Data was also collected from semi-constructed group interviews. A coding system was developed to analyze drawings and to dissect the components of the drawing separately. Interview data were coded thematically.

Results

The results showed that (1)how to hit a ball (2)power adjustment for hitting (3)pass angle and height partner can receive (4)hit to the exact place they aim (5) attack an open space (6) space arrangement for easy catch (7)decide a role in a group (8)calling name for pass consciousness.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it was apparent students learn how to hit a ball with thinking about power adjustment, angle and height, consciousness of space for effective attack and secure offense, making communication and play a role for better play.