O olhar dos jovens do ensino médio sobre as aulas de educação física: uma pesquisa na cidade de Picos/PI

Abstract

Physical Education has undergone several transformations throughout Brazil’s history, from the bodily expressions of Indigenous peoples to its institutionalization in schools. With the 2016 High School Reform, the subject ceased to be mandatory, which impacted its value within the school environment. In this context, this study aimed to analyze how third-year high school students from public state schools located in the city of Picos, in the interior of Piauí, perceive Physical Education in the school context. The research employed a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 83 students, of whom 52% were male (43 students) and 47% female (39 students), with a mean age of 17.47 ± 1.28 years. The results indicated that Physical Education was rarely mentioned among the subjects considered most important by the students, ranking behind Mathematics, Portuguese, History, and Biology. Nonetheless, the study revealed that students recognize the subject’s contribution to well-being, socialization, and physical and emotional development. It is concluded that it is necessary to rethink the pedagogical practice of Physical Education, making it more attractive and meaningful for young people by valuing their experiences and interests, and reinforcing its role in the students’ holistic development.