Examining an integrated non-contact Karate and first aid curriculum employing the Sport Education model in one high school in Kuwait

Abstract

The curriculum for Physical Education (PE) in Kuwaiti schools has been under scrutiny for some time and an action for change to improve the quality of PE teaching, the health of the population and the level of sporting achievement has been put forward (Ridah, 2012). As an attempt to improve physical education in Kuwait, this thesis examines the introduction of an integrated Sport Education (SE) season into one Kuwaiti school with attention to non-contact karate and the approved first aid curriculum. The study was conducted in one of the Kuwaiti government high school for girls. Two classes were selected from the 12th grade. The objective for this thesis was firstly to develop and implement a new karate and first aid curriculum and secondly gather the students' opinions and responses to both this new curriculum and their learning as a result of it. This thesis elucidated the steps of curriculum design taken by the researcher who was also acting as the teacher in creating the curriculum. Findings indicated a number of pupil typologies which illustrated the range of ways in which the students interacted with the structural and pedagogical aspects of the season. Here many students spoke positively of the season, including those previously deemed ‘at risk’, who in particular felt included within lessons and were valued by their teammates. Surveys highlighted pupil enjoyment of the season and drew attention to the authentic nature of the learning experiences that were included. The study also revealed how students interacted with each other and responded to the differing forms of persisting group arrangements. Evidence from the pre-and post season First Aid test indicated that the season had assisted the girls in improving their knowledge of First Aid.
The challenges the researcher-as-teacher faced in teaching the season are presented. The findings are discussed in relation to the wider SE literature. The suitability of Karate as a part of the Kuwaiti
physical education curriculum is analysed in relation to its compatibility with morals and ethical behaviour within Islamic religion. The season document in this thesis could be used to inform policy makers in Kuwait about reform to its physical education provision and offer a possible component to support pupils’ learning experiences in the subject. The season outline could provide a professional development curriculum for the training of pre-service and in-service teachers.

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