Integrating Values Education in Physical Education Learning: A Holistic Approach to Enhancing Student Well-Being
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/mw2025769Keywords:
Quality Education, Educational Values, Holistic Approach, Physical Education, Student Well-BeingAbstract
This research is urgent because physical education has the potential to instill character values through a holistic approach, yet its practice remains predominantly technical. Value integration is crucial for student well-being and character. This study aims to explore how Physical Education teachers integrate values education into learning through a holistic approach at various levels of education (elementary, junior high, and senior high) in West Sumatera. Using a qualitative approach with a collective case study design, this study involved 30 Physical Education teachers selected through area sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, limited observations, and field notes, then analyzed thematically. The results showed that teachers consistently integrated moral and social values such as honesty, discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and sportsmanship into physical education learning activities through interactive methods, game modifications, role models, reflection, and community involvement. These values were understood by students not only as rules in games, but also as life principles relevant to their social lives. The holistic approach has been proven to contribute positively to student well-being through strengthening physical skills, developing character, improving mental health, and creating a supportive learning environment. However, teachers face various challenges such as differences in student character, lack of parental support, limited time and resources, and communication barriers that require special strategies. This study confirms that value education through Physical Education can be an effective instrument in shaping character and improving student welfare, as long as it is carried out contextually, reflectively, and involves various parties collaboratively.
References
1. Iqbal A, Kausar S, Khan AA. Involvement in Physical Education as Predictor of Students Health and Academic Success: A Cross-sectional Approach. Glob Educ Stud Rev. 2022 Jun 30;VII(II):350–60.
2. Huang RX, Pagano A, Marengo A. Values-Based Education for Sustainable Development (VbESD): Introducing a Pedagogical Framework for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Using a Values-Based Education (VbE) Approach. Sustainability. 2024 Apr 24;16(9):3562.
3. Nashwan NA. The Impact of Physical Education on Mental Health. Int J Relig. 2024 May 1;5(6):644–56.
4. Aquino JMD. Assessing the Role of Recreational Activities in Physical Education Participation of College Students in One State University in Laguna Philippines. Int J Multidiscip Sci. 2023 Jun 1;1(2):190–204.
5. Hernandez MJ. Student with Health-Related Problems and Physical Activity Participation. EPRA Int J Res Dev. 2021 Jul 8;157–63.
6. Wiium N. Physical Education and Its Importance to Physical Activity, Vegetable Consumption and Thriving in High School Students in Norway. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 10;13(12):4432.
7. Gross MK, Buchanan AM. Integrating Global Games in the Elementary Physical Education Curriculum. Strategies. 2011 Sep;25(1):8–12.
8. Elmazi R, Koci L. Organizing of Physical Education Teaching Classes and Methods to be Used to Achieve the Intended Objectives. J Educ Soc Res. 2015 Apr 1;
9. Belaire E, Mualla F, Ball L, Ma I, Berkey D, Chen W. Relationship of Social–Emotional Learning, Resilience, Psychological Well-Being, and Depressive Symptoms with Physical Activity in School-Aged Children. Children. 2024 Aug 22;11(8):1032.
10. Niu Y. Integrated physical education and medicine in general physical education at universities in the age of educational technologies. BMC Med Educ. 2023 Jun 22;23(1):466.
11. Sherman NW, Stelzer J. Connecting Physical Education to the Lives of Urban High School Students. J Phys Educ Recreat Danc. 2001 Apr;72(4):6–6.
12. Bieniek B, Deutsch J. Reviving the Fifth Standard: Placing Value in Physical Education. Strategies. 2021 Jan 2;34(1):18–22.
13. Tanjung AL, Sinulingga A, Simatupang N. Analysis of Difficulties in Learning Physical Education in Children with mild Developmental Disabilities in SLB Binjai City. In: Proceedings of the 4th Annual International Seminar on Transformative Education and Educational Leadership (AISTEEL 2019). Paris, France: Atlantis Press; 2019.
14. Dudley D, Mackenzie E, Van Bergen P, Cairney J, Barnett L. What Drives Quality Physical Education? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Learning and Development Effects From Physical Education-Based Interventions. Front Psychol. 2022 Jun 23;13.
15. Qi S. Research on the Teaching Integration of Physical Education Core Literacy. DEStech Trans Soc Sci Educ Hum Sci. 2020 Sep 9;(ssme).
16. Luna P, Cejudo J, Piqueras JA, Rodrigo-Ruiz D, Bajo M, Pérez-González J-C. Impact of the MooN Physical Education Program on the Socio-Emotional Competencies of Preadolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 26;18(15):7896.
17. Adhikari NP. Pedagogical Approaches for an Effective Classroom Management. Interdiscip Res Educ. 2021 Jun 30;6(1):45–56.
18. Marlissa D, Hiskya HJ, Rahail RB. Analysis of the Physical Fitness Level of Elementary School Students in terms of Participation in Activities Extracurricular. Collins JT, Carter RW, Scott N, editors. SHS Web Conf. 2022 Nov 18;149:01006.
19. Block ME, Haegele J, Kelly L, Obrusnikova I. Exploring Future Research in Adapted Physical Education. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2021 Jul 3;92(3):429–42.
20. Rink JE, Hall TJ. Research on Effective Teaching in Elementary School Physical Education. Elem Sch J. 2008 Jan;108(3):207–18.
21. Madrona PG, Gutiérrez-Marín EC, Cupani M, Samalot-Rivera A, Díaz-Suárez A, López-Sánchez GF. The effects of an appropriate behavior program on elementary school children social skills development in physical education. Front Psychol. 2019;10(SEP):1–8.
22. Kohl III HW, Cook HD. Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School. National Academies Press. Washington, DC, US: The National Academies Press; 2013. 420 p.
23. Stolz SA. Phenomenology and Physical Education. Educ Philos Theory. 2013 Sep 15;45(9):949–62.
24. Ribeiro EPP, Mesquita IMR, Farias CFG. ‘No One Is Left Behind?’: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of Equity and Inclusion in Physical Education Teacher Education. Educ Sci. 2024 Jul 17;14(7):776.
25. Ryan T, Ryan DT. Deweyan Progressive Education within Ontario Elementary Health and Physical Education. Int J Innov Teach Learn. 2021 Jun 30;7(1):20–38.
26. Zheng R. Analysis of Lifelong Physical Education Thought and Physical Education Teaching Reform in Colleges and Universities. In: Proceedings of the 2018 3rd International Conference on Education, E-learning and Management Technology (EEMT 2018). Paris, France: Atlantis Press; 2018.
27. Tannehill D, Romar J-E, O’Sullivan M, England K, Rosenberg D. Attitudes Toward Physical Education: Their Impact on How Physical Education Teachers Make Sense of Their Work. J Teach Phys Educ. 1994 Jul;13(4):406–20.
28. Liao C-C, Hsu C-H, Kuo K-P, Luo Y-J, Kao C-C. Ability of the Sport Education Model to Promote Healthy Lifestyles in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 25;20(3):2174.
29. Hartmann T, Zahner L, Pühse U, Schneider S, Puder JJ, Kriemler S. Physical activity, bodyweight, health and fear of negative evaluation in primary school children. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010 Feb 19;20(1).
30. He J, Yu H, Jiang M, Bialas M. A research synthesis on successful educational practices and student outcomes for physical education in schools. Front Psychol. 2023 Oct 2;14.
31. Lovat T. Values as the Pedagogy: Countering Instrumentalism. In: Pedagogy in Basic and Higher Education - Current Developments and Challenges. 2020. p. 1–14.
32. Gil-Madrona P, Gutiérrez-Marín EC, Cupani M, Samalot-Rivera A, Díaz-Suárez A, López-Sánchez GF. The Effects of an Appropriate Behavior Program on Elementary School Children Social Skills Development in Physical Education. Front Psychol. 2019 Sep 20;10.
33. Purnomo E, Ma’mun A, Winarno ME, Mardesia P, Jermaina N, Abidin NEZ. Reliability and Interrater Agreement: Development and Validation of a Universal Values in Sport Instrument. Retos. 2024;57:664–83.
34. Miller SC, Bredemeier BJL, Shields DLL. Sociomoral Education Through Physical Education With At-Risk Children. Quest. 1997 Feb;49(1):114–29.
35. Eldar E, Ayvazo S, Eitan Eldar, Shiri Ayvazo. Educating Through the Physical – Rationale. Educ Treat Child. 2009;32(3):471–86.
36. Marheni E, Purnomo E, Jermaina N, Afrizal S, Sitompul SR, Suardika IK, et al. Discipline Levels of Junior Students during Physical Education Lessons at Schools. Int J Hum Mov Sport Sci. 2021;9(4):635–41.
37. Back KW. The Level of Participation and Attitude of School Physical Education and the Relationship with Academic Stress, Ego-resilience and Psychological Wellbeing of High School Students. Indian J Sci Technol. 2015 Jul 1;8(15).
38. Doolittle S, Demas K. Fostering Respect through Physical Activity. J Phys Educ Recreat Danc. 2001;72(9):28–33.
39. Berkowitz MW. What works in values education. Int J Educ Res. 2011 Jan;50(3):153–8.
40. Koç S, Altınay F, Koç A, Altınay Z, Dagli G. Cooperation of Emotional Intelligence and Social Activities in Education: Effects on School Culture and Value Acquisition. Sustainability. 2024 Jul 15;16(14):6022.
41. Hafiar H, Budiana HR, Mirawati I, Abdullah KH, Purnomo E. Conceptual structure analysis with Bibliometrix package in R: A scientific communication of sport education. Retos. 2024;51:1245–54.
42. Juanna MW, Rachman HA. Students’ Participation in Physical Education Learning Through Modification of Equipment. In: Proceedings of the 2nd Yogyakarta International Seminar on Health, Physical Education, and Sport Science (YISHPESS 2018) and 1st Conference on Interdisciplinary Approach in Sports (CoIS 2018). Paris, France: Atlantis Press; 2018.
43. Purnomo E, Jermaina N, Marheni E, Gumilar A, Widarsa AH, Elpatsa A, et al. Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills Through Physical Education Learning: A Comprehensive Analysis Mejora de las habilidades para resolver problemas mediante el aprendizaje de educación física: un análisis integral. Retos. 2024;58:435–44.
44. Akbar A, Karim ZA, Zakaria J, You M, Bahtra R, Cahyani FI. Environmental psychological characteristic: coach capabilities support grassroots football player development in Indonesia and Malaysia. Retos [Internet]. 2024 Sep 19;60:947–54. Available from: https://revistaretos.org/index.php/retos/article/view/109509
45. Vaskov Y. Developing a Comprehensive Physical Education Curriculum in Secondary Schools: Identifying and Exploring the Key Components of Content. Phys Cult Recreat Rehabil. 2022 Dec 30;1(2):25–9.
46. Mkulu DG. Role of Holistic Education in Empowering University Students for Industrial Development in Tanzania. J Humanit Educ Dev. 2020;2(3):177–90.
47. Friskawati GF, Sobarna A, Stephani MR. Teachers’ Perceptions of Physical Education Teaching Barriers at Elementary Schools. In: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Sport Science, Health, and Physical Education (ICSSHPE 2019). Paris, France: Atlantis Press; 2020.
48. Akbar A, Karim ZA, Zakaria J, Kurniawan R, Cahyani FI, Dwatra FD, et al. The Role of Mental Toughness in Improving Achievement: The Perspective of Sport Psychology on Student-Athletes. Int J Hum Mov Sport Sci. 2023;11(6):1376–82.
49. Akbar A, Abd Karim Z, Zakaria J, Suryanef, Cahyani FI, Rahman MA, et al. Comprensión De La Fortaleza Mental En Estudiantes-Atletas: Conocimientos De La Psicología Del Deporte (Understanding Mental Toughness in Student-Athletes: Insights from Sport Psychology). Retos. 2024;54(2012):1–9.
50. Polyakov AY. Influence of Physical Education on Personality Development. In: Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference on Philosophy of Education, Law and Science in the Era of Globalization (PELSEG 2020). Paris, France: Atlantis Press; 2020.
51. Akbar A, Karim ZA, Guspa A, Fernandes R, Cahyani FI, Pratama M, et al. Football as the Formation of Adolescent Character and Preventive Program to Overcome Juvenile Delinquency: A Perspective from Sport Psychology. Int J Hum Mov Sport Sci. 2024;12(1):140–7.
52. France TJ, Moosbrugger M, Brockmeyer G. Increasing the Value of Physical Education in Schools and Communities. J Phys Educ Recreat Danc. 2011 Sep;82(7):48–51.
53. Metz S, Zander B, Hunger I. The suffering of students in physical education. Unsettling experiences and situational conditions. Phys Educ Sport Pedagog. 2024 May 9;1–13.
54. Butler LF, Anderson SP. Inspiring Students to a Lifetime of Physical Activity. J Phys Educ Recreat Danc. 2002 Nov;73(9):21–5.
55. Chinyere Mercy O, Chukwuma Sunday L, Solomon O. Implementation of Physical Education component within the basic science and technology curriculum and the time allocation in comparison to other basic science and technology subjects. J Anthropol Sport Phys Educ. 2022 Jul 15;6(3):15–21.
56. Giese M, Grenier M, Lieberman LJ, Meier S. Cross-Cultural Translation and Application of the Lieberman–Brian Inclusion Rating Scale for PE in German-Speaking Countries. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jun 27;19(13):7891.
57. Templeton D, Korchagin R, Valla B. Left Behind in Lockdown: How COVID-19 Deepened the Crisis in K-12 Physical Education. Children. 2025 May 5;12(5):603.
58. Walton-Fisette JL, Richards KAR, Centeio EE, Pennington TR, Hopper T. Exploring Future Research in Physical Education: Espousing a Social Justice Perspective. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2019 Oct 2;90(4):440–51.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Eko Purnomo, Amung Ma’mun, Mashuri Eko Winarno, Pringgo Mardesia, Nina Jermaina (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.
