Factors that influence in Physical Education in Mexico

Starting from the reality that Mexico is a country with high rates of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, product of sedentary lifestyle. Physical Education (PE) classes acquire greater relevance, so in recent years the Federal Government has carried out a series of strategies to have a Quality Physical Education (QPE). A narrative and critical review was carried out on the main factors involved in a PE in this country. For this purpose, from a hermeneutic perspective, scientific articles of research carried out in Mexico and the proposals of the Federal Government to improve educational quality were analyzed, investigating PE from different approaches. In this sense, it was identified that the following factors influence PE: constant curricular changes, established time for PE classes, recruitment, need for infrastructure and material resources, teacher intervention, initial teacher training and research in EF. It was concluded that the work of the Federal Government to transcend from PE to a true QPE is pertinent, but the changes have not yet manifested themselves in the reality of schools. Finally, emphasis is placed on the importance of continuing research in PE and the role of teacher training universities.

Automated summary

Considering the high rates of overweight and obesity in Mexican children and adolescents due to a sedentary lifestyle, physical education (PE) classes have become increasingly important. The Federal Government of Mexico has implemented strategies to improve the quality of PE in recent years. A narrative and critical review was conducted on PE in Mexico, analyzing scientific research articles and government proposals to enhance educational quality from different perspectives. The study identified factors influencing PE, including curricular changes, class schedules, recruitment, infrastructure and resources, teacher involvement, teacher training, and research. Although the efforts of the Federal Government to promote quality PE are relevant, the changes have not yet translated into practical improvements in schools. The importance of ongoing research in PE and the role of teacher training universities are emphasized.