Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of university students in South Korea on university physical education classes based on a constructivist teaching environment. Ten students who participated in bowling classes in the university’s physical education program were collected through a maximum variation sampling, interviewed to offer deep perspectives on their perceptions, and observed by the researcher for one semester. The students also wrote journals about their thoughts and opinions of the class environments and teaching styles each week. The collected data were analyzed by using inductive analysis, content analysis, and cross-case analysis in terms of a constructivist perspective. The findings were categorized into five themes: (1) teacher’s role recognized as a constructivist, (2) facilitating a community of peer teaching and learning, (3) building good relationships with group members, (4) improving physical and social skills, and (5) connecting the class activity to leisure or after school activity. Students’ perceptions showed that the constructivist teaching style could be used effectively to improve their learning and development in physical, cognitive, and social dimensions. Specifically, the bowling classes based on the constructivist teaching approach helped students develop cognitive and social skills, including multiple learning strategies, and enhance the quality of performances through student-centered learning environments. The findings indicate that a constructivist teaching environment in university physical education of South Korea can be a good vehicle to promote university students’ learning and development, contributing to their personal growth.