Evaluation of the Physical Education Literacy Plan in Elementary Schools: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Background: The issue of the physical health of students has been taken into consideration by educational systems more than ever nowadays. Among these, literacy in physical education is of special importance. In this regard, the study aimed to evaluate the approved plan in elementary schools and to provide suitable solutions. Methods: The research approach was "qualitative" and the method was "phenomenology". The "target group" included all the teachers of girls' primary schools in Maybod, who were selected through purposive sampling. Twelve teachers participated in the research. The research tool was an "in-depth semi-structured interview". Data collection ended after reaching theoretical saturation. The data were analyzed by "coding" and "categorization". The validity of the data was confirmed through the "triangulation” in the form of "data" and "researcher" types. Results: The findings showed 23 main themes and 61 sub-themes. The results were determined in the form of the strengths, weaknesses, consequences, and solutions. The results of the strengths indicated the good design of the plan, attention to the student's basic skills, national implementation, creating interest in sports, the possibility of online implementation, and lifestyle modification. In addition, the weak points were the lack of proper follow-up, poor time and method of implementation, poor knowledge of the teachers, insufficient cooperation of the parents, and the lack of facilities. Also, the consequences included increasing basic skills, promoting learning, improving physical and mental health, and discovering sports talents. Conclusion: In general, this research showed that to make the plan more effective in elementary schools, some actions should be taken, such as the scientific implementation of the plan, sports play therapy in schools, increasing the time, changing the way of evaluation, more organizational attention and reinforcing the follow-up procedures.