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Perceptions of PE and sport in Singapore: Some preliminary findings
Citation
Aplin, N. (1990, March). Perceptions of PE and sport in Singapore: Some preliminary findings [Paper presentation]. First International Conference of the College of Physical Education on “Physical Education in South East Asia: Future Directions”, Singapore.
Author
Aplin, Nick
Abstract
1364 students (687 girls and 677 boys) completed a 26 item attitude scale using a Likert scale format. The questionnaire assessed attitudes towards the status of PE, intrinsic and extrinsic benefits of sport, winning and losing, excellence, and the imporatnce of activity. It was found in this pilot study that PE is ranked more important than ECA, Religious Knowledge, Geography, Art, Commerce, Music, and Literature, but less important than English, Maths, Science, Second language, and History.
The perceived importance of PE amongst males and females declines markedley between the ages of 12 and 16 years. Amongst males the decline is less apparent than amongst girls however. At the pivotal age of 16 years, when most take external exams, the boys re-new their interest.
There is a conflict between the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of the sample and the focus on winning in sport. It is concluded that there is an over-emphasis on extrinsic rewards in schools in Singapore.
Date Issued
March 1990