Investigating the Possibility of Implementing Kayak-canoe and Rowing Topics in the School Curriculum for the Danube Delta Area

Abstract

Rowing and kayak-canoeing are water sports that are not among the top preferences of young people in Romania and are not included in school programs, even if sports performances have been achieved in these disciplines on an international level. The purpose of the study is to question physical education teachers from the Danube Delta area, regarding the possibility of including these sports in the school curriculum. The work methodology is specific to cross-sectional studies, by applying a questionnaire structured on 3 dimensions (utility, accessibility and attractiveness). The study group consists of 50 teachers, at the level of which 3 independent variables were defined (gender, teaching degree and length of service). The results identify the following causes that can limit the implementation of these activities: problems related to the material base, the limited involvement of teachers in the promotion of these sports disciplines at the level of schools and local decision-makers, low participation of young people in kayaking-canoeing and rowing activities (as variants of active leisure). However, very good values are obtained regarding the favorable effects of these sports for the level of fitness, body harmony and the fulfillment of the skills in physical education programs, so they can be a viable alternative to other classic sports activities. We did not report significant differences between the opinions expressed by men and women. However, we note the superiority of the scores for the teachers of the Under 20 years career group, at the level of the items of all 3 factors, with some significant differences compared to the Over 20 years career group, so younger teachers are more confident and open to the implementation of kayak-canoeing and rowing in the school curriculum.