Vocational education in physical education

What is it about?

The purpose of this study was to examine learning outcomes of Physical Recreation (PR), motivation of students selecting PR, and the implications of training in this vocationally-oriented subject in terms of their learning and post-school options. More specifically, we explored the following research questions: what motivated students to select PR; what were the learning outcomes for PR students and what did PR students perceive as their post-school options.

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Why is it important?

Results indicated that the students selected PR based on the expectation of minimal academic requirements. The students’ learning focused on technical skills using logbooks to monitor their completion of modules for certification rather than more complex and engaging tasks. The binary system of vocational and academic streams of learning impacted the career pathway options available to students undertaking PR and teacher expectations of the students’ post-school options. There was a lack of interest (or willingness of teachers to take action) and resources invested in post-school options for PR students, contributing to limited life pathway options.