The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the effects of an integrated unit for the health subject “Prevention of disease” and exercise subject “Physical Fitness (exercise for improving flexibility)” for students in sixth grade. For the health unit, we designed an activity for students to learn about their relationship with exercise, and to consider their physical fitness-related issues.
In relation to skills, the results revealed that after the unit, both classes demonstrated significant improvement in flexibility as assessed by the measurement of a seated forward stretch. Regarding awareness, both classes displayed an awareness of their bodily changes. In particular, the students in the classes where the unit was implemented showed a willingness to take responsibility for issues related to physical fitness and health and make exercise part of their daily lives. Furthermore, in relation to attitude, both classes demonstrated significant improvement in their Physical Education Class Diagnostic and Summative Assessment scores. These results suggest that integrating health and exercise subject areas helps students to understand that daily exercise is an important method of disease prevention. Furthermore, it is thought that this unit raises their interest in physical fitness and health, thus enabling them to engage in exercise independently. Accordingly, the effectiveness of the program was confirmed.
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