Physical education in school and the process of formation of non-practitioners of physical activity

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to verify the origins and reasons by which students usually back themselves off regular physical activity practice, analyzing the School Physical Education universe. The study considered the following: a) count up the number of dismissed students from School Physical Education classes; b) investigate students' opinions on Physical Education classes, and how they change along school grades; c) verify when students begin backing off School Physical Education classes, and also outdoors physical activity; and d) search information about how come the "students" backing off. Physical Education classes occurs. Data was collected by a questionnaire, containing 14 questions, that was distributed to 1.172 students, attending public schools in Rio Claro, at 5th to 7th elementary grades, and at junior high school. Results indicated that there is a progressive "students' backing off" Physical Education classes and outdoors physical activity, besides an increase in the number of students who do not attend, participate or appreciate classes in a regular basis.