'Samen Bewegen’: diversity and inclusion in physical education

Society is more diverse than before, but secondary education is not yet fully adapted. The objective of physical education in secondary schools is to enable young people to participate in the prevailing exercise culture now and in the future. To support teachers in responding to the needs of the diverse pupils, the 'Samen Bewegen' (‘Exercising Together’) project team of the research group Healthy Lifestyle in a Supporting Environment (Centre of Expertise Health Innovation) is conducting research with young people, parents and physical education teachers. This will provide insight into the barriers experienced by pupils and the effective elements or tools teachers can use.

Objective

The objective of this project is to gain insight into the barriers experienced by pupils and the opportunities that teachers have to make physical education more inclusive.

Target group

The project's target groups are pupils, physical education teachers, teacher trainers and others involved in physical activity.

Method

Using questionnaires, storytelling sessions and interviews, information is gathered from secondary school pupils and teachers. The same activities are carried out with successful neighbourhood initiatives. Next, through co-creation with the various stakeholders using design thinking, we work towards prototypes for designing adaptations in physical education.

Result

The project is expected to deliver the following results:

• Insight into pupils experiences and barriers in physical education;
• A workshop aimed at physical education teachers (in training);
• A digital toolbox that can be consulted by physical education teachers, with tips and inspiration to improve dealing with diversity in physical education;
• Tools for new modules in the curriculum of the ‘Academie voor Lichamelijke Opvoeding (ALO)’ (College of Physical Education).

Impact

The project contributes to the societal challenges of the research agenda of universities of applied sciences. Specifically challenge 1: 'How do we create a healthy and vital society?' It also contributes to a more equitable society by better supporting all secondary school pupils in developing their exercise identity.

Duration

The project started on 1 March 2023 and will continue until 30 November 2025.

Team

• Sjoerd Dreteler
• Jonas Leenhouts

Collaboration

For this project, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is collaborating with several partners:

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• Comenius Lyceum, Amsterdam
• Bindelmeer College, Amsterdam
• Bredero College, Amsterdam
• Van Maerlantlyceum, Eindhoven
• Varendonck College, Eindhoven
• Yuverta Boskoop, The Hague
• Metis Montessori Lyceum, Amsterdam
• Elde College, Eindhoven
• Francois Vatel VMBO, The Hague
• Favella street
• 3x3 Unites
• SK coaching
• Dynamo Youth Work
• LGBT+ Youth Performance
• MBO Sport and exercise course Urban Sport Trainer: Bastiaan Pleizier
• Windesheim Research Group Exercise, School and Sport: Corina van Doodewaard
• Netherlands Institute for Curriculum Development: Jacob Nienhuis
• VU Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences and LEARN! Anne de Bruijn
• Municipality of Amsterdam: Floor Popken
• Centre of Expertise Sport & Exercise  (KCSB)

Funding

The project is facilitated with a grant from Regieorgaan SIA, from the RAAK public scheme.

More information

More information on the project can be found at the website of the Amsterdam University of applied sciences .

In the KVLO's specialist journal LO Magazine an article has been published about the project.

Contact

Sjoerd Dreteler ([email protected])

Jonas Leenhouts ([email protected])