THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN STEAM LEARNING

STEM/ STEAM/ STREAM APPROACH IN THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION, 2025 (pp. 341-351)

AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Aleksandar M. Ignjatović, Živorad M. Marković, Bojan D. Miloradović

Download Full Pdf   

DOI: 10.46793/STREAM25.341I

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

This paper investigates the integration of Physical Education (P.E.) into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, set against a backdrop of declining physical activity and increasing health concerns among European youth. The question is how P.E. can enhance STEAM learning and address these health challenges. Utilizing a comparative analysis of P.E. programs across Europe, the study reviews educational policies and curricula to understand the current positioning of P.E. in schools. This involves examining the time allocation and emphasis on P.E. in different educational systems. Current findings reveal a consistent underrepresentation of P.E. in academic settings, with significant discrepancies in the attention and resources allocated to it. This neglect is juxtaposed against the recognized need for holistic education that synergizes physical well-being with academic proficiency. Some examples of interdisciplinary work is given in the paper.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

physical education, STEAM, physical activity, youth and health concerns

REFERENCES / ЛИТЕРАТУРA:

  • Aguilera, D., & Ortiz-Revilla, J. (2021). STEM vs. STEAM Education and Student Creativity: A Systematic Literature Review. Education Sciences, 11(331), 1–13.
  • Abarca-Gómez et al. NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). (2017). Worldwide trends in body-mass index, underweight, overweight, and obesity from 1975 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 2416 population-based measurement studies in 128.9 million children, adolescents, and adults. Lancet, 390(10113): 2627–2642.
  • Ainley, J., Kos, J., & Nicholas, M. (2008). Participation in science, mathematics and technology in Australian education, Australian Council for Educational Research.
  • Campbell, C., & Speldewinde, C. (2022). Early Childhood STEM Education for Sustainable Development. Sustainability, 14, 3524: 1–11.
  • Dell’ Erba, M. (2019). Preparing Students for Learning, Work and Life Through STEAM Education. Education Commission of the States.
  • Erwin, H. E. (2017). Full STEAM Ahead in Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 88(1): 3–4.
  • European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice. (2013). Physical Education and Sport at School in Europe Eurydice Report, Eurydice.
  • Ignjatović, A., Kocić, J., Tošić, S., & Milanović, S. (2008). Umetnost u fizičkoj kulturi. U: S. Divljan (Ur.), Umetnost u metodikama nastave – Zbornik radova, Jagodina: Pedagoški fakultet, 225–231.
  • Lee, S. W., Min, S., & Mamerow, G. P. (2015). Pygmalion in the Classroom and the Home: Expectation’s Role in the Pipeline to STEMM. Teachers College Record, 117(9): 1–36.
  • Margot, K. C. & Kettler, T. (2019). Teachers’ perception of STEM integration and education: a systematic literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(2): 1–16.
  • Miloradovic, B., Markovic, Ž., Ignjatovic, A. (2024). Integrative Approach in Teaching Physical Education Using Logical – Mathematical Games. Uzdranica, Under Review.
  • Osada, T., Utami, N. A. B., & Budiana, D. (2022). Implementation of the STEM Learning Approach in Physical Education in the Process of Student Cognition Development. The Asean Journal of Sport for Development & Peace, 2(1): 48–56.
  • Stierman, B., Afful, J., Carroll, M. D., Chen, Te-C., Davy, O., Fink, S., Fryar, C., D. Gu, Q. Hales, C. et al., (2021). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020 Prepandemic Data Files Development of Files and Prevalence Estimates for Selected Health Outcomes. National Health Statistics Reports, Series: NHSR No. 158. Available at: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/106273
  • World Health Organization. (2018). Physical Activity Factsheets for the 28 European Union Member States of the WHO European Region.
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Global status report on physical activity 2022. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240059153