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Process variables contributing to sports and academic achievements in the Singapore schools environment : a case study
Author
Quek, Steven Chin Hwee
Supervisor
Walkuski, Jeffrey John
Abstract
There is a general perception that sporting excellence and academic pursuits do not go hand in hand in our Singapore schools environment. However, there is no empirical evidence to support such claims. As there are cases of successful student-athletes who excelled in both sports and studies, this study sets out to identify the variables that facilitated those student-athletes who excel in both fields.
A review of the literature revealed no specific studies on the variables that enhanced the student-athletes' achievements in both the sports and academic area. Separate studies on sports achievements and academic achievements revealed the importance of certain variables in the school and the home. Specifically, this study attempts to identify the process variables in the environment of the student-athletes that facilitated their pursuits.
A single case study of a student-athlete who excelled in both sports and studies was used to identify the process variables involved. Semi-structured interviews were the main method of data collection. Observations were also conducted, and relevant documents were referred to, in order to derive the necessary information.
The data obtained from the study was presented under the home, school and sports environment. It was found that the findings from the three environments could be categorised into the process variables identified by Bloom (1981) in his study on the home environment in school achievements. The process variables in Bloom are adopted and extended to apply to the home, school and sports environment for the student-athlete's achievements in the sports and academic areas. The process variables identified are: positive work habits; sports and academic support and guidance; stimulation opportunities; language development; and expectations and aspirations.
It was also found that the success of the student-athlete was contingent on the interaction of the school, home and sports environment. The father of the student-athlete provided the continuity among the three environments. The study concludes with the implications of the research and suggestions for further research.
A review of the literature revealed no specific studies on the variables that enhanced the student-athletes' achievements in both the sports and academic area. Separate studies on sports achievements and academic achievements revealed the importance of certain variables in the school and the home. Specifically, this study attempts to identify the process variables in the environment of the student-athletes that facilitated their pursuits.
A single case study of a student-athlete who excelled in both sports and studies was used to identify the process variables involved. Semi-structured interviews were the main method of data collection. Observations were also conducted, and relevant documents were referred to, in order to derive the necessary information.
The data obtained from the study was presented under the home, school and sports environment. It was found that the findings from the three environments could be categorised into the process variables identified by Bloom (1981) in his study on the home environment in school achievements. The process variables in Bloom are adopted and extended to apply to the home, school and sports environment for the student-athlete's achievements in the sports and academic areas. The process variables identified are: positive work habits; sports and academic support and guidance; stimulation opportunities; language development; and expectations and aspirations.
It was also found that the success of the student-athlete was contingent on the interaction of the school, home and sports environment. The father of the student-athlete provided the continuity among the three environments. The study concludes with the implications of the research and suggestions for further research.
Date Issued
1997
Call Number
GV436 Que
Date Submitted
1997