The Integration of Immigrant Students in a School Sports Program with Social Transformations Purposes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the integration of immigrant students who participate in the School Sports Program from Segovia, Spain (PIDEMSG). A multiple case study, focused from an ethnographical perspective has been developed, with 11 groups of school sport (118 children in total) in three different categories (7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years) with a specific focus on 68 immigrant students. Individual and group interviews were conducted, as well as 6 months of observation through the "observer as participant" method. In order to analyze the results, a content analysis has been developed, applying an analytical categories system. The results show that PIDEMSG favors the integration and social inclusion of immigrant students, as well as intercultural communication and the development of educational values, due to their pedagogical approach. The relationship between immigrant students sometimes appears to have a framework of common codes and the recognition of a shared identity, even though they do not all have the same nationality. The experience of the monitors in groups with cultural diversity seems to be a fundamental factor in the achievement of better levels of integration and inclusion of immigrant students.