Student-athletes’ opinions about the individual plan and program of studies at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice

Abstract

The Individual Plan and Program of Studies (IPPS) is a form of support which helps student-athletes to combine studies with their sports career.

The IPPS provides the students with the means to individually arrange the date of class attendance by offering them the possibility of individual consultations. The aim of this study was to analyse the opinions of student-athletes about the IPPS at the APE in Katowice. The applied research methods included a diagnostic survey with the use of the questionnaire technique and the statistical analysis of the results. The author's own questionnaire consisting of 23 closed questions was used. The questionnaire was completed by 108 student-athletes participating in the IPPS.

Summary and Conclusions. The results suggest that the most important reason for studying at the university for student athletes, was their desire to obtain education. The student-athletes consider the IPPS helpful and the program had an influence on their decision to study at the university. The elements of the IPPS considered the most helpful by the student-athletes were: individual arrangements regarding class attendance, flexible class and exam timetables, as well as the possibility of extending their study period. In the opinion of the student-athletes, the elements of the program that need to be improved upon were: scientific advice and assistance in reconciling studying and sports career, as well as the availability of academic teachers and their attitude towards student-athletes.