INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH IN EXAMINING THE EFFICIENCY OF OLYMPIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

Abstract

Although more and more scientific research is carried out in the field of Olympic education, several researchers note (Binder, 2012; Lenskyj, 2012; Monnin, 2012) that there is not enough data which would make efficiency testing of Olympic education programmes possible. The article aims to present research done in testing the efficiency of Olympic education programmes; and to make a case for the necessity of empirical studies. Through document analysis, the article systematizes research of international Olympic education programmes. As for result, we present those programmes where efficiency was measured. For example, Gibbons, Ebbeck and Weiss (1995) found that a special (olympic) education programme can affect children’s ethical behaviour. In the case of the Second Half programme, studied by Knijnik and Tavares (2012), it was detected that it cannot reach the intended goals. Binder (2012) demonstrates and analyses four internationally influential Olympic programmes; highlighting research done during their planning and application. Nanayakkara (2016) found correlation between development of students’ conflict resolution strategies and the implementation of a combined Olympic education and conflict resolution programme. We conclude that even more scholarly research and analysis is needed when designing and implementing programmes. Elaboration of a measurement equipment would be useful in order to make efficiency testing possible; and to be able to measure the effect of certain programmes on students’ behaviour and morals. The research area would benefit from such a systematic and purposeful measurement, it could mean advancement in the field.