ERIC Number: EJ1202465
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1930-4595
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Available Date: N/A
Examining the Impact of Disability Sports Unit on Students' Perceptions of Disability
Grenier, Michelle; Bourgoin, Ben
ICHPER-SD Journal of Research, v10 n1 p21-27 Fall-Win 2018
The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of a disability sport curriculum on students' perceptions towards individuals with physical disabilities. Three fifth grade physical education classes (n=40) participated in seven disability sport lessons that included goalball, sled hockey and sitting volleyball. Data collection included focus group interviews and surveys to gain insight into the effectiveness of the sports in shaping perceptions of disability. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data. Quantitative findings revealed little change in students' perceptions of individuals with physical disability. Qualitative data supported the qualitative findings in demonstrating the limited appreciation of the sports and a devaluing of the sport experience. The results support a critical analysis of curriculum and pedagogical practices that underscores the importance of discussing skill differences and the construct of ability in order to bring a deeper meaning to the disability sporting experiences. Recommendations include the need for teachers to become familiar with the skills necessary to play disability sports in order to provide their students with a more diverse perspective.
Descriptors: Disabilities, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Student Attitudes, Physical Education, Grade 5, Elementary School Students, Athletics, Team Sports, Instructional Effectiveness, Units of Study
International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport, and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 703-476-3462; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: ichper@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.ichpersd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A