The contribution of physical education to the training of physically educated individuals: A Portuguese perspective

Abstract

This study was carried out with 150 male students at the end of their mandatory education and with candidates to a degree in Sports Science and Physical Education. It aims to understand if Physical Education contributed to the education of physically educated individuals. We followed a quantitative methodology and administered a three-part questionnaire: close-ended questions for the sociodemographic characterization of the sample; close-ended questions on participants’ understanding of the purposes of Physical Education; true-or-false questions on fundamental contents for an autonomous practice of physical activity, which are included in the National Curricula of Physical Education for secondary school. The results reveal individuals’ weak knowledge of motor skills development, effects of physical exercise, safety procedures, and body composition and functioning, which is not in accordance with National Curricula.