THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS STUDY PROGRAM IN UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) Examine the current state and assess the needs for a physical education and sports curriculum at the upper secondary education level. Data were collected from key stakeholders, including 12 curriculum teachers from selected case study schools, 24 students enrolled in comparable programs, 24 parents of those students, 6 administrators from the Secondary Educational Service Area Offices in Bangkok Area 1 and 2, 6 school principals or deputy directors for academic affairs from schools without a comparable program, and 6 university lecturers responsible for undergraduate programs in physical education-related fields. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. and 2) The second objective was to synthesize guidelines for the development of a physical education and sports curriculum at the upper secondary level. Data were collected from 5 experts in the field of physical education using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using content analysis, inductive reasoning, and data triangulation techniques. The findings revealed that the current comparable programs exhibit inconsistencies, particularly in the elective course offerings. The synthesis process with experts led to the development of a proposed direction for the physical education and sports curriculum at the upper secondary level. The proposed curriculum emphasizes a unified objective, with core subjects aligned with the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (Revised Edition B.E. 2560). The elective courses should be designed in accordance with expert recommendations, ensuring alignment with students’ aptitudes, interests, and the contextual needs of each educational institution.