The Value of Fun in Physical Activity

Abstract

According to students, fun, good grades and time with friends are the three key outcomes of physical education. A further review of fun in physical education, from the perspective of students, is included in this article. Selected responses from interviews with high school students reference fun as an important part of their experience in physical education. Teachers who interact with students individually during class create a positive learning environment. From a student's perspective, teachers who demonstrate knowledge and enthusiasm are more engaging, and make the class more fun and interesting. Teacher engagement and an awareness of students' perception of fun are discussed as two intricate components of improving experiences of students in high school physical education. The use of curriculum models to engage students, such as the personal system of instruction, is also a consideration for increasing participation.

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Notes on contributors

Jennifer L. El-Sherif

Jennifer L. El-Sherif ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the Sport and Movement Science Department at Salem State University, Salem, MA.