Exploring social media and student engagement in physical education: a multiple case study approach

Taylor, Lisa (2019) Exploring social media and student engagement in physical education: a multiple case study approach. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the benefits and challenges of a social media program to demonstrate student physical activity and literacy outside of physical education (PE) class time. Method: A multiple case study approach was used to identify the experience of two secondary PE teachers and their use of a social media program. Results: Based on the experience of the teachers, four main themes were identified following analysis of the data: a) social media can support the achievement of secondary level PE outcomes; b) social media can help improve student/teacher communication and relationships; c) students can demonstrate resistance to social media program adherence; and d) age or grade level can affect social media student participation. Discussion/Conclusion: Specifics regarding achieving PE outcomes through a social media extension of the classroom are examined. Benefits to the teacher and student are discussed and include improved communication and relationships between student and teacher, improved student grades, an opportunity for teachers to improve role modeling, student opportunity to actively use typically sedentary behaviour encouraging technology, and student opportunity to see positive health communication through social media. Challenges regarding running a social media program within PE are discussed and include student resistance to social media program adherence, parental resistance to student social media involvement, and difficulty in grade justification for younger secondary students. Suggestions are made for PE professionals looking to incorporate social media within their PE programs.

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