A Study on the Characteristics of the Physical Education System in Arabic Countries : Social and Educational Position of Physical Education in Syria and Jordan

Abstract

This paper attempts to investigate the similarities and particularity of how physical education (abbreviated to PE) is treated in Syria and Jordan, from the aspects of the position of PE in the educational system, the characteristics of school PE, and the teacher training system for PE. In both countries, there is a strong focus on the formation of character as 'a member of Arabic society' in the field of PE. This tendency is much higher in Syria. In Jordan, in addition to the formation of character as an Arabian, there is a focus on the formation of character as a Muslim. As regards requirements for PE teachers, practical skills and athletic ability are strongly required in Syria. On the other hand, academic knowledge is more likely to be required in Jordan. As stated above, there are both similarities and differences in the PE systems, which come from the difference in the respective social backgrounds.