For some school children, PE is the best lesson of the week — a chance to leave the desk behind, get outside, and enjoy a run around with friends. For others, it is often an unhappy experience — a time when they feel embarrassed, and may even experience physical pain.
The idea of competitive sport was a clear source of argument. Those who were good at it did not want those less able to “get in the way”, while those less skilled felt annoyed for being made to compete. They also felt less “liked” by their PE teachers and their more sporty classmates.
Research shows that participation (参与) first over excellence can dramatically increase the confidence and participation rates of those less skilled — because it really is the taking part that matters. If schools value taking part above winning against other schools, the nature of PE changes.
As one pupil commented (评论): “I have actually joined the football team now, because all the violence has gone. Before it was, ‘You made us lose the game…, it’s all your fault.’ With the new approach, it is more like we are all in there just trying to get better. No one is to blame. Now it is worth doing.”
To those who argue we need competitive sport to “build character”, I would point out that there is quite simply no evidence to support this view. But what we can build if we allow young people to work together in a spirit of support and cooperation in the competitive sport is leadership and mutual understanding.
If we need competitive sport to build our national teams, this should happen out of school. PE is about the participation of all — not the excellence of a few.
At home, the most important thing a parent can do for a child who struggles with PE is to take their concerns seriously. Being physically active is very important for children and young people, so how, when, and at what level they do it should be their first choice.
12. What does the author consider the most important in PE lessons?
A.The rules of teachers. | B.The available sports activities. |
C.The participation of students. | D.The spirit of winning over others. |
13. Why does the author mention the comment of one pupil?
A.To support his argument. | B.To praise the boy’s behavior. |
C.To explain the new approach. | D.To prove the violence of football. |
14. What does the author think competitive sports fail to build?
A.Leadership. | B.Character. | C.Cooperation. | D.Mutual understanding. |
15. How should parents help children who struggle with PE?
A.By making a plan for them. |
B.By letting them choose what to do. |
C.By giving them psychological advice. |
D.By encouraging them to be the most excellent. |