Integration of immigrant students and physical education in preparatory education
Pirveisi, Arijän (2025-05-02)
Integration of immigrant students and physical education in preparatory education
(02.05.2025)
Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.
avoin
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on:
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025051341443
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025051341443
Tiivistelmä
Immigration has influenced the cultural and social landscape of Finnish society in recent decades, drawing attention to the integration of immigrant pupils into the education system. Schools are often one of the first structured environments in which young immigrants encounter the cultural norms, language and social dynamics of their new country. Physical education (PE), as one of the subjects taught in schools, can offer opportunities to support integration. In addition to promoting physical well-being, PE can provide spaces for social interaction, teamwork and identity development in a multicultural context. This study explores the role of PE in shaping the self-perceptions and integration experiences of immigrant pupils in preparatory education, highlighting its potential to promote supportive environment. By examining how physical education relates to integration, educators can gain insights into developing practices that meet the diverse needs of immigrant pupils and support their social and academic development.
The importance of PE was examined through the lens of social integration, cultural differences and self-esteem. The data collected from the interviews was analysed using content analysis and revealed that PE provided students with opportunities to make new friends, develop language skills and increase self-confidence. While the experiences of PE were mostly positive, challenges such as cultural differences and barriers to participation also appeared.
This research highlights the critical role of the physical culture of the school in the integration of immigrant pupils and suggests that PE can be a valuable tool for building social networks. It is important for educators to recognise their students' cultural backgrounds and adapt PE practices to suit them so that all students feel included in the community. Based on the findings, the study concludes that integrating physical education into the school day can significantly promote the well-being and integration of immigrant students into Finnish society.
The importance of PE was examined through the lens of social integration, cultural differences and self-esteem. The data collected from the interviews was analysed using content analysis and revealed that PE provided students with opportunities to make new friends, develop language skills and increase self-confidence. While the experiences of PE were mostly positive, challenges such as cultural differences and barriers to participation also appeared.
This research highlights the critical role of the physical culture of the school in the integration of immigrant pupils and suggests that PE can be a valuable tool for building social networks. It is important for educators to recognise their students' cultural backgrounds and adapt PE practices to suit them so that all students feel included in the community. Based on the findings, the study concludes that integrating physical education into the school day can significantly promote the well-being and integration of immigrant students into Finnish society.