Study Shows Student-Athletes Benefit Educationally, Socially from Athletic Participation
A recent study polled students, coaches and parents in Ontario to determine the benefits students gain by participating in school sport. The study was completed by Rob Williamson, a Masters of Arts in Human Kinetics student at the University of Ottawa, and among other things it showed that school sport is an important contributor to Ontario’s education system. The study also concluded that student-athletes scored higher in specific developmental areas than those students who do not participate in athletics.
Detailed below are some of the findings of the study:
- Student-athletes scored higher on 40 of 41 developmental assets compared to students who do not participate in school sport. On 21 of the 40, the difference was statistically significant, meaning there were true differences between the two.
- Parents who participated in high school sport themselves believe the experience helped them develop important life skills.
- Coaches feel student-athletes are developing skills such as leadership, communication, goal setting, perseverance, teamwork, responsibility, and respect.
- Student-athletes appear to be more engaged and enjoy school more as a result of participating in high school sport.
- Sport is not the most important aspect of a student-athlete’s life, meaning that high school sport seems to be developing a balanced individual.
- For coaches, the dual role of teacher and coach increases job satisfaction and contributes to building positive relationships with students.
To view the findings of the study in infographic form, please click here.
Study Confirms Positive Relationships Built Between Teachers and Students Through Sports
A second study by the University of Ottawa’s Martin Camiré and Colin J. Deal explores the value of relationships built between teacher-coaches and student-athetes.
To view OFSAA’s one-pager of the study, please click here.
To view and download that study in its entirety, please click here.