Should Physical Education remain compulsory?

Proposition

Problem Identification:

1. Society tend to under appreciate the importance of Physical Education

2. Many children are becoming seriously obese from a young age

Definition:

Compulsory Physical Education means that all schools must fulfill minimum amount of physical education class.

A1) Characteristics of P.E and the Need to make it Compulsory

1. What is unique about P.E classes in school?

P.E classes allow children to be physically active in their daily lives. This ensures students to maintain healthy body. But even more importantly, P.E classes makes sure that students learn about importance of healthy diet and the need for exercise.

2. Why should this be “Compulsory”?

There are couple of reasons why it should remain compulsory. Firstly, the society is only emphasizing the importance of university entrance through academic performance. Thus, we cannot learn the importance of healthy life style in other places such as private Hak-wons.

But secondly, there is simply not enough areas for students to be physically active, Unlike the past where we had plenty of playgrounds for children to run around, most entertainment facilities for students do not provide the chance to be physically active, For instance, students mainly go to PC rooms or 노래방 s only.

Therefore, the conclusion we can draw is that ‘compulsory PE classes’ are the only means to guarantee the minimum opportunity for students to remain healthy.

A2)  Role of School Education

1. What is the proper role of school education?

Schools are a unique organization in our society as it teaches basic necessities for children  before they enter into the larger society. This basic necessities are not only limited to knowledge on academic areas, but it also extends to non-academic areas that are needed for their future lives as well. Even in cases where students may dislike it, it is in the role of school to make sure that students are well prepared.

2. Why do we believe that PE classes are necessary for the future of students?

This is because health is something that is important even when students become fully grown adults. In particular, learning how to maintain healthy lifestyle is absolutely important. This ensures sustainable effort of individuals to stay in shape even when they cannot get additional education after graduation.

Therefore, the conclusion we can draw from these two points is that ‘it is the role of schools’ to make sure that students are educated through compulsory PE classes.

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Opposition

Stance:

The stance of opposition is clear. We believe that while there are advantages of PE classes, there are not enough reasons to make it compulsory.

A1) The problems of Compulsory Education

1. What usually happens when behaviors are forced upon students.

We believe that students usually form a negative feelings toward behaviors that are forced upon them. For instance, mandatory community services often makes students dislike the behavior itself. This is mainly because students are not given the choice in the first place.

2. Why is this problematic?

When a behavior is forced upon, it is usually not sustainable in the long run. As I have mentioned, students normatively dislike the act of community services due to the fact that it is forced upon them. Therefore, when they are no longer forced to do it, they do not pursue this behavior. Same logic can be applied to compulsory PE classes. The moment they are not mandated to exercise, students will no longer feel the willingness to continue what they learned.

Therefore, the conclusion we can draw is that ‘compulsory PE classes’ are the only make unsustainable healthy lifestyle for students.

It is more effective to persuade students through other means such as public campaign. (Optional)

A2) Students should have the choice to choose their Priority

1. Students have different priority depending on their personal goals.

We believe that students, especially high school students, have diverse goals depending on what they pursue. If a student’s primary goal at the moment is to enter university in order to get closer to her future dream,  their schedule need to be appropriately adjusted. For instance, students who plans to major in arts should prioritized their schedule in practicing arts. This is precisely why we have different curriculums, even within one schools, depending on your choice of major.

2. What are the harms of ignoring these priorities?

Despite such need for different priority, if schools are forced to run compulsory PE classes for all students, it inevitably leads to distortion of the original class. For instance, it would simply be meaningless time for students to memorize trivial facts about mechanics of different exercises. This is exactly what we see in art classes for many high schools in Korea. Rather than appreciating the beauty of art, many students simply memorize the names of artists. (Optional)

Therefore,  the conclusion we can draw from these two points is that ‘compulsory PE classes’ harm student’s right to decide their priorities for their future.

Although, we cannot entirely deny the benefits of PE classes, it is clear that at the moment, students should have choice to prioritize their school schedules. (Optional)