Instructional Leadership of Physical Education Teachers: Healthy School Culture and Physical Activity

Authors

  • Syahruddin Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
  • Muhammad Syahrul Saleh Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
  • Muh. Sahib Saleh Universitas Negeri Makassar Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26858/cjpko.v17i2.481

Keywords:

Instructional Leadership; Physical Education Teachers; Healthy School Culture; Physical Activity; Active Schools.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between Physical Education (PE) teacher instructional leadership, a healthy school culture, and student physical activity through a synthesis of 25 studies published between 2015 and 2024. This study used a literature review approach with thematic analysis to identify patterns, trends, and the strength of the relationships between variables. The analysis shows that PE teacher instructional leadership plays a central role in increasing student motivation and engagement in physical activity. 68% of studies reported consistent positive effects, with an average increase of 32% in student motivation and participation. Furthermore, a healthy school culture contributes significantly to increased physical activity, as demonstrated by 56% of studies reporting an increase of 15–35% (average 26%) in physical activity. The role of PE teachers as agents of change is also strongly evident, with 72% of studies citing teacher contributions of 30–60% (average 48%) in fostering active lifestyle habits in schools. Healthy school policies, such as daily physical activity programs and the provision of sports facilities, have been shown to increase student physical activity by 10–25%. This finding confirms that increasing student physical activity requires an integrative approach that combines instructional leadership, a healthy school culture, and policy support.

References

Bailey, R., Armour, K., Kirk, D., Jess, M., Pickup, I., & Sandford, R. (2018). The educational benefits claimed for physical education and school sport: An academic review. Research Papers in Education, 33(4), 498–522.

Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2021). Systematic approaches to a successful literature review (3rd ed.). Sage.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597.

Chang, Y., & Chen, S. (2018). The impact of physical education teachers’ leadership styles on students’ motivation in sports learning. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 37(2), 190–205.

Chang, Y., & Chen, S. (2022). Instructional leadership and student learning in physical education. Physical Educator, 79(3), 421–436.

Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage.

Darst, P., & Pangrazi, R. (2019). Dynamic physical education for secondary school students. Human Kinetics.

Fernández-Río, J. (2021). Active pedagogies and teachers’ roles in building a physically active classroom. European Physical Education Review, 27(3), 432–449.

Fernandez, A., Ramos, P., & Gomez, L. (2022). Healthy school culture and physical activity promotion: A mixed-method study. Health Education Research, 37(2), 152–165.

Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2020). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 37(3), 173–191.

Guthold, R., Stevens, G., Riley, L., & Bull, F. (2020). Global trends in insufficient physical activity among adolescents. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 4(1), 23–35.

Hallinger, P. (2011). Leadership for learning: Lessons from 40 years of empirical research. Journal of Educational Administration, 49(2), 125–142.

Hallinger, P. (2019). Instructional leadership: Foundations and conceptual evolution. Routledge.

Huang, Y., & Jeong, K. (2025). The dynamic impact of physical education teacher support on college students’ exercise adherence: A cross-lagged analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 15(6), 802. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15060802

Langford, R., Bonell, C., Murphy, S., et al. (2017). The WHO Health Promoting School framework and physical activity outcomes: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 107(7), e1–e10.

Lee, J., Kim, S., & Park, H. (2020). Instructional competence of physical education teachers and student engagement: A quantitative analysis. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 17(9), 846–854.

Martínez-García, A., Ruiz-Ruano, A., & Suárez, C. (2020). Databases and strategies for systematic literature searches in education research. Educational Review, 72(6), 745–764.

McEvoy, E. (2016). Leadership practices in secondary school physical education: A mixed-method approach. Sport, Education and Society, 21(5), 628–646.

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2019). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA statement update. BMJ, 364, k400.

Nahas, M. (2021). School health policy implementation and students’ physical activity levels: A national survey. Journal of School Health, 91(4), 310–319.

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J., White, D. E., & Moules, N. (2020). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1–13.

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J., & Bossuyt, P. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71.

Rahman, A., Yusuf, M., & Karim, M. (2024). Teacher leadership and students’ physical activity behavior in secondary schools. International Journal of Physical Education and Health, 11(1), 22–33.

Sallis, J. F., & McKenzie, T. L. (2019). Physical education’s role in public health: Steps forward and challenges. Health Education & Behavior, 46(3), 275–285.

Sari, A., & Lestari, P. (2023). Evaluasi implementasi program sekolah sehat. Jurnal Pendidikan Kesehatan, 12(2), 98–110.

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.

WHO. (2018). Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: More active people for a healthier world. World Health Organization.

Xiao, Y., & Watson, M. (2019). Guidance on conducting a systematic literature review. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 39(1), 93–112.

Zhang, T., & Solmon, M. (2015). Integrating motivational theory in physical education instruction. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 86(2), 162–170.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Instructional Leadership of Physical Education Teachers: Healthy School Culture and Physical Activity. (2025). COMPETITOR: Jurnal Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, 17(2), 2144-2158. https://doi.org/10.26858/cjpko.v17i2.481