One of the noticeable differences between
Kazakhstani undergraduate education and Western one is the obligatory course of
physical education for undergraduates in Kazakhstani universities. All
undergraduate students, no matter what program they study, must attend the
course. Moreover, it is graded. The exception is Nazarbayev University, as it
is recognized as international university. However, on the territory of NU
there is a sport center, where students can have any physical activity not for
free, but with student discount. Is it necessary for university students to
have an obligatory course of physical education? I believe, yes. And there are
some reasons for that.
First of all, it is the matter of health. It is accepted, that regular physical activities reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and most of all obesity. For the last decades, the level of youngsters with heart disease and overweight has increased dramatically. So, regular physical activity after classes could be the solution. It is still arguable, weather physical activity can effect on academic performance of students. However, it is interesting how sport can increase self-steam, confident, discipline and time-management. Another point is that during and after active sport the level of endorphins in blood is dramatically growing, so it stimulates your positive mood. Moreover, regular physical activities can prevent stress and anxiety among students.
Unfortunately, most of Kazakhstani universities could not provide professional trainings and sport facilities to make the course interesting and diverse. Because of this, majority of students are not motivated to attend the course. And this fact has led to make the course mandatory and be the part of regular university curriculum. There are a lot of students who come to the class only to get tick in the attendance list. But, conducting different sport events, championships and olympiads can noticeably change the situation. It is highly essential for students to be interested and motivated be physically active. Hence, universities’ administrative and teaching staff should be responsible in organizing sport competitions where students could be involved.
In conclusion, it is obvious, that sport plays
an important part in our life. However, today, with the development of
Internet, young people tend to be less active and physically strong. One of the
responsibilities of society is to motivate each other to live healthy active
life. And universities are not an exception. Providing all necessary facilities
for physical classes at universities we can create the basic of future healthy
nation.
I completely agree with you. However, we should accept the fact that universities often can`t provide qualified physical trainers and appropriate space for training. As I remember, during my bachelor studies in university the half of group did not attend the physical training classes. Unfortunately, these students prefer to spend time another place rather than running or doing exercises on the open air. So there were not reasons to continue including physical training course in the curricula because students ignore it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that physical activity should be an essential part of everyone's life, including students'. Our modern life ufortunately dictates own rules in terms of passive sitting and working with computers, passive office works, and unhealthy fast food. Therefore, to stay healthy, active, and strong everyone should do physical exercises, swim, eat healthy food, and try to avoid stressful situations. I think that physical activity course should saty as compulsory as it is now, however we need to think of delivering this course in a more creative way. For example, many female students like going to yoga, pilates, or dance classes, so why not to include these activites within the course? Male students are in love with playing sports or doing cross-fit, again why not to include these activities into the curriculum? I think if the university would try a little bit harder in involving and engaging students, then it would have been more fruitful in terms of healthy young generation.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting topic for discussion, Shynar. Thanks ))
ReplyDeleteI am exactly of the same opinion. To include physical education in the curriculum is necessary. Because, as you mentioned, firstly, it is good for health. Secondly, some researchers identified that it has also positive effects on student's mental activity and therefore helps to decrease depressive symptoms (Paluska & Schwenk: Physical activity and mental health, 2000). And in my opinion, it should be obligatory, but with the options to choose in which physical activity to participate. In Kazakhstani HEI there is one or two days for physical activity. And, students rarely attend the classes.
As the solution for this problem, I would like to offer to make different groups/clubs of activity, such as yoga, acrobatics, or boxing for free, of course. And further, to provide sport facilities. and only then it would motivate students to take physical education and be active in their lives. However, everything is concerned with budget. While the funding is limited, it is hard to say something.
And another way to be healthy is "Let's rely on ourselves" than on universities. Our health is in our hands. It is up to us to be healthy or not.
Thank you Shynar for such an interesting topic. The question whether universities should have an obligatory course of the physical activity forced me to recall why did I hate this course during my Bachelor. I agree with your statement that sport plays an essential role in people's life and their general mood. However I am against of obligatory physical activities in undergraduate studies. Let me explain, why. I think, it is up to every person, like or do not like definite type of sport. University's physical activity courses have limited choice of sport types, mostly it is jogging (from my experience). May be such courses could be more profitable, if they will be given more time, not two hours per week. Every inexperienced person know that this time is not enough for keeping healthy body in tone.
ReplyDeleteIn this occasion, I think Universities should provide to students more sport opportunities (types of sport, equipment). Or let them stay focused on study or what they really like - on their hobbies. However, I am still concerned about sport equipment. Nazarbayev University also has many sport facilities, but it does not guarantee the high level of attendance among students.
Shynar! Thank you for such very interesting blog! You have raised a very important aspect of the student life. I totally agree with you. I think it is inevitably important that universities should provide physical education course. It really influences positively on the busy day with studies of a student. As you said it prevents from various diseases and increases the feeling of happiness. I was also surprised when I knew that there is no physical course at NU. However, there is a sport center, and this can be considered as a good equivalent. But, when it depends on the student and if there is no time for him/her to go there then he/she will not go. While, if it is one component of the curriculum it is likely that most students will attend physical education course and contributes to the health improvement.
ReplyDeleteHmm...reading your post I recalled that during my study in KBTU we had several options: usual physical class, football, boxing and chess. The issue was that our university didn't have its own sport facilities (and it is understandable as KBTU is located in the former government building), so students had to go to the central stadium which was quiet far away. Only chess players stayed in the university, that is why I have chosen chess =) For the 4 years, I don't remember any sport games that KBTU participated in.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, although there is no required physical class, NU constantly conducts various champoinships and competitions. So I totally agree with you that good sport facilities is the main motivation for students, but it still should be on voluntary basis, not mandatory.
P.S.: thanks for the interesting topic!
Dear author,
ReplyDeleteI believe, it is important not to provide required classes in sports, but to teach helthy life style.
By this I mean to make sports as a habit.The probability to take sport classes and be healthy is low. But if person will understand the postitive impact of physical training, the chances to be healthy increase. As I remember at school we do not value the physical trainning classes,but
at the university there was a trend to be engagged in sport activities, there was course "health and life style" which contributed to my understanding of life. I go swimming two times a week to keep my mind and body in healthy mood.
Shynar, thank you for the post!
ReplyDeleteI believe that sport is inevitable part of every person. Sport is not obligatory choice; it is a lifestyle. I agree that students should have the opportunities to play not only basketball or football, but to dance or even play curling. We as the future leaders should create the health atmoshpere for students which will be useful for their career and personal life.
From my experience, I was the member of women footbal team in KazNU university. This valuable experience contributed to develop my team working skills and be responsible in any case. Despite the health benefits, sport develops my personal growth. I profoundly believe that sport in university should be highly promoted.
Shynar, you are raising a very good point! I approve the idea of having physical education both at school and university. 2 hours twice a week do not take much time. It helps a student to stay in such a health condition that he had before, because you do that on regular basis. Nowadays because of these gadgets and internet and other things we do not spend our time properly; while working most of us have sitting position; all of these things prevent us from doing any kind of activity. The PE class is mandatory or not, anyway, anytime students could/can find the ways not to attend it. That's why, I think, the question of PE affect on health is always left up to a person.
ReplyDelete