After-school sports programmes and social inclusion processes in culturally diverse contexts: Results of an international multicase study

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the role of after-school sports programs in social inclusion processes in culturally diverse contexts through a multicase study within two locations. The first location was in Spain where immigrant and Spanish students were enrolled, and the other was in Chile with Mapuche-Huilliche students, immigrant and Chilean students. The implemented programs at both sites were similar in their educational focus on socio-educational values, and teaching models (hybridization of teaching games for understanding and cooperative learning) that enhance social inclusion. Using individual and group interviews with teachers, sports coordinators, parents, and students, a qualitative approach was used to identify the factors that facilitate or hinder the social inclusion processes. In addition, the researchers used qualitative observations of the programs over six months using “notes logbook” to record their impressions during the observation process. Results indicated that the implemented sports programs successfully facilitated social inclusion processes, enabling the development of interpersonal skills and relationships between students from different cultural backgrounds. The previous training and experiences of teachers in culturally diverse contexts, and incorporation of traditional sporting games from all cultures, seems to be an important facilitator factor for the inclusion potential of the implemented programs.

“Where was this when I was in Physical Education?” Physical literacy enriched pedagogy in a quality physical education context

“…Physical literacy enriched pedagogy in combination with nonlinear pedagogy, can be used to guide the development and adaptation of all forms of games, including TSGs, for the achievement of inclusive and positive movement experiences ( 22 , 49 ). Further, the approaches outlined in this paper within the PE context have immediate application to support TSGs and other games in recreation, performance arts, early childcare, and afterschool sport programs, which has been described in other studies ( 50 ).…”

Team Sports as Catalysts for Holistic Student Wellness: Insights from a General Review

“…Tailored community sports initiatives have proven effective in addressing cultural barriers and fostering social inclusion, demonstrating that culturally sensitive approaches can enhance participation and experiences in sports for underrepresented groups [71,72]. After-school sports programs in diverse settings have successfully promoted social inclusion by building interpersonal skills and relationships across different cultural backgrounds [73].…”