Improving Physical Education - Part 2: Excitement for Elective Subjects

The lack of sports fields and training equipment leads to students' lack of interest in physical education and physical training in schools, a reality that is currently being faced.

Students are more enthusiastic about elective sports like swimming, football, basketball, etc., than about the regular physical education classes - Photo: NHU HUNG

Le Thi Tam An, an 8th-grade student at a junior high school in Thu Duc ward (Ho Chi Minh City), says physical education is the most boring class. "During PE class, the teacher tells us not to shout or cheer, or if we do, to shout quietly to avoid disturbing other classes," An explained her reason for the boredom.

Waiting for football, basketball, badminton...

Student Le Thanh Van (Le Van Tam Secondary School) said that there are two physical education classes per week, and students are allowed to participate in elective sports. "During physical education class, we are required to perform basic movements."

"The training in short-distance running, long-distance running, etc., is very tiring. Many students enjoy elective subjects like football, basketball, badminton, swimming, etc., and everyone looks forward to these elective training sessions," Van expressed.

Similarly, a student from Nguyen Thi Dieu High School (Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) said that studying and taking tests in 30m and 60m sprints was necessary to be assessed as having completed the subject.

You added: "I studied just to pass the exam and, of course, didn't practice more after that. Honestly, I was only enthusiastic about sports like football and basketball... because they're popular, easy to find teammates to boost my sportsmanship and competitive spirit."

Ms. Than Thi Tuyet Nhung - Principal of Chu Van An Secondary School (Cau Ong Lanh Ward) - said that students are only truly interested in elective subjects such as swimming, football, basketball... "With these subjects, the school can easily identify and find students with talent."

"Most students are enthusiastic about elective physical education classes because they get to exercise voluntarily, which is completely different from the compulsory nature of physical education as part of the curriculum," Ms. Nhung assessed.

I really enjoy exercising because it helps me stay healthy and energizes my mind, but I want to take elective courses that match my strengths. I would be very interested in training in well-equipped multi-purpose gyms or on sports fields that are as well-invested as those outside.

Student NGUYỄN THỊ ÁI MY (7th grade, Lê Quý Đôn Secondary School, Xuân Hòa Ward)

Utilize the cafeteria for students to play sepak takraw.

Lacking proper training grounds, many schools in Ho Chi Minh City are making use of every available space. Many schools have even opened sports and talent clubs (martial arts, badminton, football, etc.) after school hours.

Mr. Dinh Huu Dac - Principal of Nguyen Thai Son Primary School (Xuan Hoa Ward) - said: "Although we have a large schoolyard, to promote physical training for students, in addition to utilizing social resources to invest in facilities, we have also made the most of other spaces to transform them into sports and physical education areas."

"The school flexibly calculates how to use the afternoon dining area for students to play shuttlecock, and the teacher's parking lot when there are no cars... to set up nets for badminton practice," Mr. Dac informed.

Meanwhile, the principal of a high school in Dien Hong ward admitted that the school has not yet been able to promote the spirit of school sports training and allow students to choose their favorite subjects.

Therefore, school sports have not truly created an attractive playground that caters to students' strengths and stimulates their passion for physical training as expected. "Utilizing available space for students or establishing sports clubs, in my opinion, has some effect, but it doesn't necessarily nurture passion or discover school sports talents," this principal said.

A physical education teacher at a school in a central ward of Ho Chi Minh City also admitted that the sports clubs are currently serving a purpose... waiting for parents! This teacher said he often hears parents jokingly say that the sports clubs are clubs that wait for parents.

Parents said their children were neither interested nor willing to register, but because they attend two sessions a day and the family lacks someone to pick them up and drop them off, they participate in extracurricular sports to buy time while waiting for their parents. This makes it very difficult for the after-school club to meet expectations.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dao - Principal of Nguyen Huu Tho High School (Xom Chieu Ward) - believes that physical education is somewhat neglected due to a lack of proper and sufficient investment solutions to meet the school's requirements.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City stipulates that students should not pay more than 80,000 VND per month for club activities. This amount is too low to invest in facilities and pay salaries for teachers and external coaches...

"To prevent the underestimation of physical education, schools should be allowed to collect fees or increase the fees so that they can allocate time slots, schedules, and coordinate with external sports centers. With increased funding for facilities and higher overtime pay for teachers, after-school clubs can become more meaningful and engaging for students," Mr. Dao said.

Inviting athletes and coaches to participate in training.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre newspaper, Ms. Cao Thi Thien Phuc - Head of the Student Affairs Department (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training) - said that the city has many programs and movements related to physical education and sports. The city has invited famous athletes and coaches to collaborate in training.

Currently, approximately 2,000 teachers have received professional training in physical education for the 2026-2027 school year across three regions. Simultaneously, the education sector is the leading agency in inspiring students to participate in sports and physical activities.

Ms. Phuc said that previously, school sports movements and competitions were mainly organized by the culture and sports sector, but now the entire responsibility has been transferred to the education sector. The recent series of sports programs and competitions organized by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City sought creative videos and images of teachers and students that inspire a sporting spirit in schools.

"Ho Chi Minh City is invigorating its sports activities, with physical education teachers receiving thorough training in teacher training colleges from coaches, athletes, and professional stars. This is what makes Ho Chi Minh City special," Ms. Phuc emphasized.

THAO THUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nang-chat-giao-duc-the-chat-bai-2-hao-huc-voi-cac-mon-tu-chon-20260508093855739.htm