Olympic Education at Model Schools for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Abstract

The purpose of this research is first to determine the conditions of Olympic Education (OE) at model schools in the city of Beijing before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and second, to identify educational results and problems relating to OE in Beijing during different educational stages. The research methods included literature research, a questionnaire survey of students, and interviews with teachers. The results obtained are as follows: (1) A “reader book” was used as an OE material for physical education and other subjects at model schools; (2) Extracurricular activities at the model schools, such as traditional sports, mini Olympic Games, sporting events with local residents, and the installation of OE exhibits promoted understanding of Olympism; (3) OE at model schools was not conducted uniformly; and (4) OE programs were financially supported by trinity three-part structure system consisting of the government, municipal districts, and the model schools. The problems of the OE are summarized as follows: (1) Comprehension and satisfaction levels of junior and senior high school students were relatively low; (2) There is need for improvement in the methods of teaching about Olympism; (3) There should be more emphasis on Olympic knowledge as an important evaluation item; (4) The training system for teachers of other subjects is inadequate; and (5) The financial budgets of the government and the model schools were not disclosed, and this may make it difficult to develop OE programs at other schools in the future.