Possibilities of Implementing Traditional Polish Games and Play in the Process of Physical Education According to Pe Teachers

Abstract

Introduction. Physical education programmes are primarily based upon sports that originated in the Western European tradition. Implementing indigenous traditions such as traditional Polish games and play is an excellent opportunity to make those programmes more modern and attractive. In order to make use of the value and potential of these activities, it is necessary to introduce them into the programmes of Polish schools. This study sought to show the chances of traditional Polish forms of activity becoming a permanent part of physical education lessons and make present and future PE teachers aware of the fact that such forms of activity exist. Material and methods. The study included 125 PE teachers (62 females and 63 males) from randomly selected schools in eastern Poland. It was carried out with the use of a diagnostic survey, which included an original questionnaire designed by the author consisting of questions regarding the subjects’ knowledge of traditional Polish games and play, their place and role in national culture, as well as the possibility of using them in physical education. Correspondence analysis was employed to examine the data. Results. The research revealed that the participants of the study were relatively poorly prepared to be promoters and continuers of traditional Polish games, play, and sports. This mainly stemmed from the fact that they were hardly aware of the role of those forms of activities in the process of physical education and had little knowledge of traditional forms of physical activity that originate in indigenous culture. Conclusions. The teachers examined are insufficiently prepared to introduce traditional Polish games, play, and sports into the process of physical education. It is necessary to broaden the programme and educational offerings in the field of national heritage regarding traditional forms of physical activity that come from national cultures.