A Study on the Subjectivity of Parents Regarding “0th-Period Physical Education Class” of Middle Schools in Korea Using Q-Methodology

Abstract

The current study examined parents’ subjective perception types and characteristics regarding the 0th-Period Physical Education Class of Middle School in Korea. The Q-methodology was applied, and the final 25 Q-Samples were selected through the composition of the 42 Q-population. Among Korean parents, 20 students who participated in “Physical Education Activities in Class 0” for more than one year were selected as P-Sample. Q-sorting was performed by the P-Sample. Data collected by Q-sorting were analyzed using the PQ method program version 2.35, with centroid factor analysis and varimax rotation. The finding pointed to four types, with a total explanatory variance of 63%. Type 1 (N = 7), and was named “urgent legal and institutional settlement of 0th-period physical education”. Type 2 (N = 4) has the theme of “beach-head for a vibrant school life”. Type 3 (N = 4) was named “enhancement of academic capability”. Type 4 (N = 4) was described as “strengthening physical and mental health”. Moreover, the consensus statements between each type were investigated in Q1 and Q2. These findings highlight the importance of the “0th-period physical education class” so the program could be expanded and institutionalized in Korea.