The Barometer of Physical Education in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Catalonia

• Published in: Apunts. educació física i esports 2022-10 (150), p.36-44
• Main Authors: Monguillot, Meritxell, González-Arévalo, Carles, Tarragó, Rafael, Iglesias, Xavier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Cronbach's alpha; Exercise; Hygiene; Learning; Pandemics; Physical education; Questionnaires; Secondary education; Secondary schools; Teaching; Validity
• ISSN: 0214-8757
• DOI: 10.5672/apunts.2014-0983.es.(2022/4).150.05

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the functioning of many professional fields, including education. The aim of the study was to analyse what has happened in physical education in primary and secondary schools in Catalonia (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, after a thorough review of the existing literature, a questionnaire was designed and implemented to identify the impact of COVID-19 in relation to changes in curricular decisions, attention to diversity and compliance with protocols, safety and hygiene standards generated by the pandemic in the classroom. To determine validity, the Delphi method was used, conducting a pilot test in the first phase and the analysis of two panels of experts in the following two phases, using Cronbach's alpha coefficient to delimit reliability. The questionnaire was answered by 629 primary and secondary physical education teachers, and the results showed that they made significant changes in the typology of teaching and learning activities and in the specification of curricular content, ensured physical distance between pupils, and ensured the application of health and safety protocols. There was an increased use of technology, both to facilitate communication with learners and to increase autonomy and self-regulation of learning. The methodological changes brought about by the pandemic are evident and envisage a hybrid model of physical education with a greater presence of technology.