| This study examined the effect that a sport education model had on the participation and achievement levels of fourth and fifth grade students in a basketball unit. The teacher/researcher used qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine the model.;For student activity levels, academic learning time-physical education data were collected. A modified academic learning time-physical education instrument was used to gather data for the roles of scorekeeper and referee. A teacher diary was kept to obtain the teacher's perceptions of sport education, and student perceptions were obtained using a questionnaire and interviews. A skill test was given to students to determine skill improvement, and video tapes were observed to determine if strategic play improvement occurred.;Students participating in the sport education unit were observed in the academic learning time-physical education motor appropriate behavior at 46%. Students participating in the role of referee were actively involved 83% of the lesson time and passively involved 13% of the time. Students observed in the role of scorekeeper were fully attentive 96% and distracted 4% of the time spent in this role.;The teacher found sport education to be more work and more preparation than past, traditional, lessons but was pleased with the unit, and felt the extra planning time was well spent. Students liked the sport education unit and the various roles in which they were expected to participate.;Using a correlated t-test, to examine pretest and posttest scores, students were found to have significantly improved their skill level in passing, shooting, and dribbling. Strategic play improved for the students that were observed before the unit and again at the end of the unit.;These results suggest that students participating in sport education will be appropriately and actively involved in various roles of the sport education model. Through this participation, skill level and strategic play may be improved in the student participants. The teacher and students enjoy the sport education format creating a positive experience in physical education. |
