Folk Sports and Physical Education: 'Beyond the Classroom' - An Exploration of the Relationship Between Folk Sports Participation and Physical Education in Rural Schools

Abstract

Physical education and sports are important aspects of the school curriculum because they promote students' physical fitness, intellectual achievement, and general well-being. Nonetheless, the link between involvement in folk sports and these results is still being researched, particularly in rural school contexts. As a result, the purpose of this study is to look into the impact of folk sports participation on academic achievement, well-being, and physical fitness in rural school children, with an emphasis on the mediating function of student engagement and student motivation. The study surveyed 450 rural schoolchildren from three Chinese schools using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed folk sports, academic success, well-being, fitness, student engagement, and motivation. Smartpls 4 was used to evaluate the gathered data. The study's findings show that involvement in folk sports has a strong beneficial link with academic achievement, well-being, and physical fitness among rural school pupils. The study also discovered that student interest and motivation serve as a buffer between participation in folk sports and these outcomes. Folk sports increase academic performance, well-being, and physical health by engaging and motivating students. The study's findings can help rural schoolchildren exercise, study, and stay healthy. The study found that introducing folk sports to physical education programs can improve these results, especially when kids are engaged and motivated. In rural schools, contextual and cultural factors should be considered when creating physical education programs, according to the study. These findings can inform rural school students' evidence-based treatments to improve physical activity, academic performance, and well-being.