抄録
This study investigated the actual state of endurance and long-distance running classes in Japanese junior high schools from the viewpoint of class implementation and goals. A total of 1065 junior high schools were randomly selected throughout Japan (a sampling rate of 10.5%) and a survey was conducted via mail in February 2024. Of the 1065 schools selected, 340 provided responses (response rate: 31.9%). The findings revealed the following: (1) approximately 30% of the schools offered endurance running classes in at least one grade, whereas approximately 80% of the schools offered long-distance running classes; (2) the total number of class hours was 5.0 (95%CI: 4.8-5.2) for endurance and 6.4 (95%CI:6.2-6.6) for long-distance running classes; (3) the distance run per class period was 2.0 km (95%CI:1.9-2.1) in the endurance running class and 1.9 km (95%CI: 1.8-2.0) for the long-distance running class; (4) in both endurance running and long-distance running classes, the objectives of the courses of study pertaining to “motivation to learn and humanity” were emphasized. Based on the results of this study, we propose that a greater number of practical studies on endurance and long-distance running in junior high schools should be conducted in the future. Moreover, it is important to set the total number of class periods for practical studies on endurance/distance running classes in junior high schools based on the total number of class periods conducted nationwide. It is important to guarantee students' learning outcomes with a running distance of approximately 2 km. Furthermore, there is a need to accumulate knowledge on endurance/distance running classes, which contribute to the development of the students' attitude of proactive learning and ability to think, make judgements, and express themselves.
