School-based physical education: Physical activity and implementation barriers in Vietnamese elementary schools

Abstract

Information about the Vietnamese physical education (PE) programme is limited due to a lack of relevant studies. Using the Health Optimising Physical Education as a conceptual framework, this study examined students’ physical activity (PA) levels in the fifth-grade PE programme in Vietnam and barriers to programme implementation. Eight schools (28 PE classes) were randomly selected for assessing students’ PA levels, lesson context, and PA promotion during PE lessons using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time. In-depth interviews were also conducted with school administrators, PE instructors, and classroom teachers using semi-structured guides to examine barriers influencing the implementation of the current PE programme. Results showed students spent 33% of PE time in moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which is less than the international recommendation of 50%. The amount of MVPA varied by school type, instructor gender and qualification. Programme implementation was negatively affected by the current structure that limits autonomy, a proclivity for a “one size fits all” approach to teaching PE, and limited motivation for PE instructors to improve their teaching. The low perceived value of PE, lack of support and professional development for existing PE instructors, and an over-emphasis on sports training due to available financial incentives were also identified as important barriers that affected programme implementation. Addressing these barriers could help improve the quality of the Vietnamese PE programme.

School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review

“…At this point, the role of schools, where children and adolescents spend a significant portion of their days, in providing PA opportunities has reached an even more critical point. Despite this critical situation, the scope, quantity and quality of physical education courses, as well as the participation rates in extracurricular physical activities are not at the desired levels and differ significantly from school to school [9][10][11]. Schools are easy and provide accessible settings to promote engagement in PA because it is related to the objectives of the physical education curriculum.…”

Effects of School-Based Exercise Program on Obesity and Physical Fitness of Urban Youth: A Quasi-Experiment

“…[ 4 , 5 ]. Adolescents who maintain an appropriate level of physical activity increase their likelihood of remaining active into adulthood [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. On the other hand, inactivity may lead to the development of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes during adulthood [ 9 ].…”

“…As mobile devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, video games, and social media are incorporated into the lives of youths, the PA level has begun to gradually decrease and will continue to decline [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]. Schoolchildren and adolescents spend most of their time each day at school, so the role of school should have a great influence on their health [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]. However, the scope, quantity, quality, and participation rate in physical education courses are currently not at the desired levels in most of schools [ 1 , 6 , 8 ].…”

“…Schoolchildren and adolescents spend most of their time each day at school, so the role of school should have a great influence on their health [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]. However, the scope, quantity, quality, and participation rate in physical education courses are currently not at the desired levels in most of schools [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]. Schools should offer good educational support that results in the positive attitudes necessary for lifelong PA habits [ 1 , 6 ].…”

“…However, the scope, quantity, quality, and participation rate in physical education courses are currently not at the desired levels in most of schools [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]. Schools should offer good educational support that results in the positive attitudes necessary for lifelong PA habits [ 1 , 6 ]. To meet the exigency of improving adolescent health and physical fitness, a measurement and evaluation system that emphasizes physical fitness testing and physical activity related education should be provided [ 8 ].…”