Physical Education in Greek High-Schools: Is Health-Related Fitness Promoted?

Irene Kossiva & Dimitris Hatziharistos

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hellas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess students’ activity levels, lesson context and teacher behaviour during Physical Education (PE) lesson in Greek High-School. A total of 96 PE lessons, taught by 32 PE teachers, in 19 high schools of Prefecture of Attica were assessed. The System of Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) (McKenzie, Sallis & Nader, 1991) was used to obtain simultaneously recording of student ac- tivity levels, the lesson context in which they occurred, and the teacher behaviour. It was found that lesson context and teacher behaviour focused mainly on developing and practicing skills and secondly on promoting health-related physical activity. It was also found that students participated in moderate and vigorous physical activity for more than 50% of lesson time. In conclution, it seems that PE in Greek High-School is not health related and is suggested the reorganization of the curriculum.

Key words: Physical Education, health-related physical activity, lesson context, teacher behaviour