PROPOSAL FOR A MULTI-GRADE SPORT EDUCATION SEASON: APPLICATION IN THE RURAL SCHOOL

This paper aimed at designing a season based on the Sport Education Model (SE) in a rural school with multilevel groups, making adaptations in the planning and structure of the model. In addition, students' and teacher's perception about their participation in the program was also examined. The participants were 24 students and their Physical Education (PE) teacher. The students were grouped into two multilevel class-groups (3(rd)-4(th)level: 8-10 years; 5(th)-6(th) level: 10-12 years). A quasi -experimental study was designed with post-test measures, using a mixed approach where the students' perception was analysed by the Physical Education Season Survey and focus groups. The teacher's perception was assessed using an in-depth interview. A program of 18 lessons in PE was applied using a sports network based on SE. The planning and adaptations of the SE were related to (1) creation of teams, (2) structure of the season, (3) responsibilities and (4) adaptation of sports content. A very positive assessment of the proposal was shown by the students, teacher and the educational community. Likewise, the students positively perceived the characteristics of the SEM and an improvement in goals of the model. For his part, the teacher pointed out of great relevance the need to adapt the different characteristics of the season to respond to the diversity of the class and a good teacher coordination. In conclusion, this study shows the potential of multilevel groups to increase the pedagogical scope of the SEM and resolved part of the rural school limitations.