Cross-Cultural Approach in Physical Education

Olga Kouli1 & Athanasios Papaioannou2

1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Hellas

2Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

Abstract

This paper focuses on the subject of cross-cultural approach in Physical Education. New data from the immigration waves in Greece indicate that cross-cultural is a major issue on all subjects of education. This happens because major problems of cross-cultural issues, appear specifically on education where new generations educate themselves and were the value system of a country is formed. Within Physical Education classes the element of interaction is very strong and it plays a major role in cross-cultural approach. Hence, teachers must create a cross-cultural environment within their classes if they wish to incorporate all stu- dents. The fact that sports and Physical Education are contexts where equal opportunity and racism harmony can exist makes it easier for the creation of a multicultural environment within the Physical Education class.

Key words: cross-cultural, multi-cultural education, Physical Education.