Influence of middle school pupils’ acculturation on their readings of and expectations for physical education

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of middle school pupils’ acculturation on their readings of and expectations for physical education. Participants were 94 pupils attending one public middle school. Data were collected using five qualitative techniques. They were analysed by employing analytic induction and constant comparison. Findings indicated that the majority of pupils read the subject positively and in terms of four outcomes. These were learning and experiencing sports, health and fitness, socialising, and enjoyment and excitement. A minority of pupils, however, was more negative about physical education and viewed the subject as being of little worth. Differences in the ways in which pupils read and the expectations they had for physical education emerged based on age, gender, and ability. Key socialising agents that appeared to shape the beliefs and views of the pupils were their physical education teachers, peers, parents, coaches, and prevailing culture.