Differences and Integration of K-12 Physical Education in China and the United States

Jiamin Liu Peiquan Liu Yanli Wang Min Li 

Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang Jiangxi 330013; 

Abstract: This article takes Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China and Upper Arlington, Ohio, the United States as the research objects, compares the differences in K - 12 physical education between China and the United States in terms of concepts, systems, and practices, and explores the path of integrated development. Physical education in Nanchang, China, emphasizes knowledge and skills, adopts a class-based teaching system and unified textbooks and assessments; online education improves the quality of teaching through four entry points, and some international characteristic schools focus on personalized teaching and the cultivation of comprehensive qualities. Physical education in Upper Arlington, the United States, emphasizes student-centeredness, focuses on interest and personality development, implements decentralized local management and a multi-disciplinary integrated teaching model, and the design from national core literacy to classroom goals ensures the pertinence and effectiveness of teaching. In the future, we can promote the integration of physical education between China and the United States from the aspects of curriculum integration, reference to teaching methods, exchange in teacher team construction, and student exchange activities, to promote the progress of global physical education. 

Keywords: K - 12 Physical Education in China and the United States; Differences; Integration; Curriculum Setting; Teaching Methods; Teacher Team Construction; Student Participation 

References 

[1]Nanchang Education Bureau. Nanchang Compulsory Education Curriculum Setting Plan (2018 Revision). 

[2]Relevant materials from The Ohio State University on physical education major. 

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[5]The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council."Overall Plan for Deepening the Reform of Educational Evaluation in the New Era" [EB/OL]. (October 13,2020)[October 17, 2020]. http://www.moe.gov.cn/jyb_xxgk/moe_1777/moe_1778/202010/t20201013_494381.html [6]Ji Liu. Interpretation of China's "General High School Physical Education and Health Curriculum Standards (2017 Edition)"[J].China Sport Science, 2018,38(02):3-20. 

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Profile of the first author:Liu Jiamin, graduate student at Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University.Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China. Second author：Liu Peiquan graduate student at Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University.Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China. Third author:Wang Yanli , graduate student at Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University.Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.

Corresponding author: Li Min, professor at Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University. Visiting scholar at The Ohio State University in the United States. Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China. Project Source: Research Project of Basic Education in Jiangxi Province Project Name: Research on Primary School Digital Interactive Physical Education Teaching Based on the Concept of Mental Health 

Project Number: SZUJKTY2023 - 1083