Poland seems to be keeping its traditional ways when it comes to their educational system. It has long upheld the principle of ‘physical education’ in schools, including universities. Let’s analyze the pros and cons of obligatory physical education in schools.
ADVANTAGES:
LIFE SKILLS & DISCIPLINE
There is some kind of discipline that comes from regular physical activity which can have a profound impact on developing essential life skills. Qualities such as time management/ punctuality, perseverance, and goal setting, which are beyond just ‘sports’ are equipped by the students in their daily lives.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Without a doubt, mandatory physical education plays a very crucial role in establishing habits of regular exercising. It promotes an active and healthy lifestyle in the youth. As far as, helping reduce risks of health-related issues including obesity. So, one could say mandatory physical education also encourages students to take care of themselves.
DISADVANTAGES:
LIMITED ACADEMIC FOCUS
As much as obligatory physical education may sound great, just like any other thing it has its cons. Other kids are slow at grasping information, so the time used for sports could be effectively utilized for academic subjects. Not only that but, sometimes the curriculum becomes more demanding from the students, and they need to focus to get good grades.
RESOURCE CHALLENGES
Not all schools can provide the full equipment required for certain sports and this is highly likely to disturb the program of the sports. The sports would not be as effective as they are supposed to be, which will demotivate the students.
After navigating through the advantages as well as the disadvantages of obligatory physical education, it is quite clear that there should be a balance between sports and academics so that one does not affect the other.
Nonhlanhla Motloung
Photo: Pexels/Florian Thomschke