Exploring the Educational Necessity of Physical Activity in Young Children through Preservice Early Childhood Teachers' Perceptions of Changes in Early Childhood Physical Activity Education in South Korea

Overview & Synopsis

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the educational necessity of physical activity (PA) education in children by examining the perceptional changes of preservice childhood teachers regarding PA education in children. Method: A total of 18 preservice childhood teachers, who participated in PA education classes, were analyzed according to their experiences. Results: Through the PA education classes, the preservice childhood teachers perceived PA education as (a) education that allows for the learning of another mode of expression besides language, (b) education that is faithful to the nature of children, and (c) education that facilitates integrated education. Discussion/Conclusion: The changes in the preservice childhood teachers' perceptions toward PA education were discussed reflective of thinking by Van Manen as (a) education that they can undertake; (b) education that they have to undertake; and (c) education that is essential in childhood education, helping the teachers realize the necessity of PA in children.