Bringing Olympic Values to Primary Schools Boosts Learning and Personal Growth

What is it about?

The study investigates the incorporation of Olympic values into primary school education through the "OlympicFUN" program, which integrates physical activity, value-based learning, and creative reflection to support holistic personal growth. Conducted from September 2021 to May 2024, the research employed a mixed-methods design to assess socio-educational, communicative, health-preserving, and cognitive competencies in students. Significant improvements were observed across all domains, particularly in socio-educational and communicative competencies, with a rise in creative-level value formation from 19.8% to 68.4%. Qualitative feedback indicated enhanced teamwork, fairness, and moral responsibility. Olympic education aligns with international priorities, aiding competence-based learning and holistic development in primary education. It supports moral development, creativity, and competence by fostering values, encouraging interdisciplinary learning, and nurturing socio-emotional resilience.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it explores the integration of Olympic values into primary school education, aiming to enhance pupils' competence development. It underscores the significance of values-based education in fostering holistic personal growth among young learners. By focusing on the principles of Olympism—respect, excellence, and friendship—the study provides insights into how structured educational programs can support moral and social development, enhance teamwork, and promote inclusivity and creativity. The findings contribute to the existing literature on the role of value-based education in shaping the socio-emotional and cognitive competencies of children, aligning with international priorities for values-based teaching. Key Takeaways: 1. Holistic Development: The "OlympicFUN" program successfully integrates physical activity, value-based learning, and creative reflection, leading to statistically significant improvements in socio-educational and communicative competencies among primary school pupils. 2. Value Formation: The study highlights a substantial increase in pupils achieving creative-level value formation, emphasizing the transformative impact of Olympic values—respect, excellence, and friendship—on personal and social development. 3. Educational Innovation: The research supports the implementation of Olympic education as a catalyst for creativity and competence-based learning, offering an alternative model that encourages interdisciplinary thinking, open-ended learning, and value-based engagement in primary education.