| The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of young women in physical education classes. Recent research indicates that in high school when physical education programs become optional many young women decide not to continue their physical education experience. This phenomenon should be of interest to those professionals involved in the instruction, design, evaluation and promotion of physical education and physical activity programs.;Qualitative methodologies including semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, journals, photography and document analysis were used to explore and understand the physical education experiences of young women. A case study focused the attention of the research on fifty young women in grades nine through twelve from one urban high school in a mid-sized Canadian prairie city.;Results indicated that young women wish to be physically active but find that existing physical education programs are not meeting their needs. Young women desire programs that offer opportunities to learn skills and participate in activities different from those offered in standard physical education programs. They wish to have fun in physical education classes, and have many opportunities to interact with friends in a single sex environment. Young women place a great deal of importance on the environment in which physical education occurs. They have little confidence in their bodies and their physical skills, and desire to be treated with respect by both their teachers and their classmates.;As a result of this study teachers are encouraged to involve young women in the design of physical education programs. As so many young women have a negative body image, physical education teachers should address this area in their curriculum and critically reflect on practices such as compulsory uniforms, showers and swimming classes. In addition, physical education teachers are encouraged to reflect upon their own behaviors and attitudes towards young women in physical education classes. If physical educators are willing to recognize the need to listen to, and address the concerns of, young women in physical education programs, they may encourage more young women to pursue a physically active lifestyle. |
