Possessing Strategies for Teaching Physical Education: Considering Students with Special Needs

Abstract Physical education is highly essential for individuals as it develops physical strength and nourishes everyday activities into healthier habits and lifestyles. Across the Middle Eastern region, the concept of physical education has empowered educational institutes to advocate the teachings and learnings of the curriculum alongside other academic disciplines. Likewise, universities across the Middle East have been promoting and advocating the implementation of physical education- based pedagogy for effective rendition of physical activities. Thus, the current research advocates implementing physical education strategies by student trainers to impart physical training lessons to students with special needs. The research involved ten semi-structured interview questions from 8 students enrolled in the fourth semester at the Physical Education Department at Al-Bayt University. The research adopted a qualitative approach, adopting a thematic analysis across three themes: Empowerment through Adapted Activities, Social Inclusion and Peer Support, and Teacher Training and Resources. Moreover, focused group discussions and observations of instructors aided in assessing the efficacy of implementing physical education for students with special needs. The research findings indicated that the differently-abled students showed higher interest and motivation after being provided with adapted physical education lessons through training sessions. Moreover, the instructors and peers showed interest in the inclusion of students as trainers, which significantly motivated the learner students to envisage a higher degree of learning and motivation through the provision of physical education lessons. Future research studies should further incorporate adapted and inclusive physical education courses across diverse ethnic groups and institutes, Keywords: Special-need Students, Physical Education Strategies, Adapted and Inclusive Physical Education, Social Inclusion, Peer Support, Al-Bayt University, Middle East