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 Influence of Competition among Private Schools on Physical Activity of
Students: A Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

Physical activity has importance in students’ personal and educational life. Schools play main
role in Physical activity (PA) of students. This study identifies factors of emerging competition
among schools influencing on PA of students through Grounded Theory Approach. The sample
is selected from Sukkur region and data is collected through unstructured interviews from
parents and teachers. More specifically data is arranged through color coding to identify factors.
We developed model through creating three data categories. Empirical, conceptual and analytical
orders are made on basis of researchers’ interpretation and literature. Research findings show
factors that affecting on PA of students. positive factors includes Physical training, Arrangement
of different competitions, Creative learning with physical involvement, Flexible schedule and
less burden of homework that increase PA and negative factors included Less parents attention
and Time Consuming. Further study found positive and negative consequences of PA. We found
more positive consequences of PA in children. This study is beneficial for educational
infrastructure because the study implies that competition can be utilized for betterment of the
educational system. It will benefit to students as they are pillars of nation to make their future
bright. It is also helpful in making strategies for schools.

Keywords: Competition, Physical Activity, Private schools, Grounded Theory Approach.

1. Introduction
Schools are striving for getting higher ranking in education system. To achieve this objective
schools are putting burden on students. So this study tries to find out influence of competition
among schools on students. As It is personally observed that students face burden of education
that influence their physical health development because due to burden of education children
does not have time for extra curriculum activities like sports etc. These extra curriculum
activities make students more active in their personal and educational life and make them more
confident (Massoni, 2011). In literature it is found that due to reducing PA of children their
mental ability reduces (Cavill, Biddle, & Sallis, 2001; Harsha, et al., 1995).

Massoni(2011) in his study, explain the benefits of extra curriculum activities for students. PA or
physical education includes sports, debate, music, art, annual function participation (like drama,
speeches etc), school publications, student committee, and all extra social events that make
students more active and participative (Massoni, 2011). Physical education is defined as a course
taught to children to participate in PA like games, sports and exercise to learn movement skills,
cognitive development, fitness enhancement and effective growth (Gallahue & Donnelly, 2007).

Studies also proves that these extra curriculum activities improve students’ academic
performance like grades because of getting good academic performance students gets more
motivation, self- esteem and able to manage time for their academic as well as for their physical
health(Al-Ansari, et al. 2016; Massoni 2011). Many parents do not understand the importance of
these activities in school life of children. Despite of all these benefits, some parents think that
these types of activities divert children mind from academic work1.

However, it is also found in some studies that extra curriculum activities affect on students sleep.
From online research paper, it is analyzed that some students sacrifice their sleep for these
activities (Wells, 2017). Consequently it will lead to affect on academic performance of student

1
Extra-curricular Activities Are Important For Students. (2014, May 07). Retrieved November
26, 2017, from https://eduflow.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/extra-curricular-activities-are-
important-for-students/
(Wells, 2017). It is clear from above study that PA can have both positively and negatively
influenced on students, whereas this study examines factors of competition among schools that
cause to influence on PA of students.

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of increasing competition among schools
on student’s PA. This study also focuses to find out factors that affects PA of students and how
emerging competition among schools affect their physical ability of students, so that students
makes better choice while getting admission in school. That is main issue for parents to select
best schools for their children.

1.1 Research Questions:

1. What factors of competition among schools affect on PA of students?

2. How school’s competition influences on PA of students?
3. What are positive and negative consequences of physical activities?

This study is based on inductive approach based on qualitative approach. This research study is
based on qualitative technique named as “Grounded Theory Approach (GTA)”. Data was
collected through interviews from teachers and parents by fully attached with respondents to
identify factors of competition among private schools influences on student’s physical ability of
students. Qualitative data purely interpreted by combined efforts of both researchers by fully
attached with respondents. To develop grounded theory, we used color coding technique to
developing categories and assigning themes to organize data. Data is structuralized on the basis
of understanding responses of interviewee and by exploring literature. Responses are organized
in three main orders by using GTA i.e. empirical order, conceptual order and analytical order.
After that we came to a model that represents positive and negative factors of competition
affecting on PA of students and further study identified positive and negative consequences of
PA on students’ personal and school performance.

Educational system is important part of governments’ agenda, so government needs to know the
influences of emerging competition among schools on students’ life. So this study contributes in
improvement of educational infrastructure. This study will also helpful to make strategies for
schools. It will give benefits to students as they are pillars of nation to make their future bright.
 2. Literature Review
The development of educational infrastructure is a main part of the governments’ agenda. This
study focuses on how competition among schools impacts on PA of students and which
competition factors affecting students’ physical health and PA of students.

2.1 Competition among schools:

In literature, studies related to Competition among public and private schools are widely studied.
It is a very complex problem in educational system. Competition among schools creates
competition among students that put burden of education on student. It is personally observed
that Competition among schools has both positive and negative impact on students. Due to
Competition students motivate from their peer groups and put more struggles to compete with
other students. It also makes student more confident by participating in activities when there is a
competition among schools. USA and England government makes education policies that highly
encouraged competition among schools (Gibbons & Silva, 2015). According to (Gibbons &
Silva, 2015) competition among schools are effective tool to get student attainment. Similarly the
view of economists Smith (1776) and Friedman (1955), school Market’s performance is
improved through competition. However it is observed that too much competition leads to create
stress among students2, due to that their mental and physical ability affects. Literature shows that
mental and physical ability is related with competition. Study shows declining PA leads to
decreasing mental ability of students (Cavill, Biddle, & Sallis, 2001; Harsha, et al., 1995)and
students cognitive ability decreasing as students does not take time for physical growth. Many of
theoretical and empirical studies found that competition of private schools increases inequality
and it’s highly discourage poor students because they unable to pay fees and this creates
discrimination with poor students (Epple, Dennis, & Richard, 1998). To increase PA of students,
schools should arrange extracurricular activities or increase time for physical education to
maintain mental health of students. According to Verhoeff(1997) it is beneficial for students to
involve in physical and intellectual contests like sports so that students physical and mental
health maintain.

2
Margie (17 January 2012)Bright Hub Education

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/12891-competition-in-schools-pros-and-cons/
In case of quantitative study, competition in education system is measured either by Herfindahl
Index (HI) or rate of enrollment in other school when children have different choices to get
admission (Belfield & Henry, 2002). Traditionally competition is identified through private
schools entry into school market, such entries either enhance skills of students or it can be
negatively affect on students.

Education and Competition are closely related. According to Verhoeff(1997) Education theorists
give two opposite views of competition. First view of Education philosophers do not satisfy
whether competition among schools should be encouraged or discouraged. One theory explains
that competition is important part of culture so concept of competition is necessary in
educational system so that students learn and implement in rest of life. On the other hand
opposite view of competition in which theorists said that competition is evil element of culture
that influences student future life. Competition can be within school of students and can be
among students of different schools, but this study talks about competition among schools that
influences physical ability of student. Verhoeff(1997) told that competition in extra curriculum
activities among students shows positive sign whereas lack of competition shows negative sign.
Friedman (1962) in his book Capitalism and Freedom stated that competition into public schools
strengthen effectiveness of educational system. Similarly Hoxby (1994) verifies his statement by
finding that emerging competition from private schools improves attainment in public schools.

It is clear from above literature that competition among schools has both negative and positive
impacts. This study focuses on influence of competition among schools on physical ability of
students and how it impacts on students’ physical health. So now this paper going to explain
literature about PA of students, theory explain PA behavior and what factors affect on physical
ability of students.

2.2 PA of students:

PA considered as extra curriculum activities that is defined as all activities that students agree to
take that is required to earn a degree. They may include hobbies, social events, sports, cultural,
or religious activities. In perspective of students’ PA, Schools have played important role to
increase PA among students. In this study extra curriculum activities is focuses in which students
should involve to become more active in their life. Traditionally, students involve in PA mostly
in recess breaks time (Russell, 2006). Russell(2006) found that some of elementary schools
reduce the recess time. This study suggested that schools should increase and promote PA among
student so that they become self confident and it leads to balance their health because we are live
in 21st century that shows health consciousness among people. PA included sports, games,
increase Recess timing and Active Transport to School etc.

It is commonly accepted that there are several benefits of PA that improve health and quality life
of young (MacKelvie & McKay(2002); Sothern, et al.,(1999). Benefits of PA includes, PA
reduces stress of students because they engaged in PA, its beneficial to maintain health status
like maintain body weight, reduces body fats, strengthens the muscles and bones; and it increase
mental capability of students (Dayi, 2017). To get these benefits of PA, Students needs
additional time and support to become more confident and proficient.

2.3 Factors affecting PA of students:

There are multiple factors that encourage children to involve in PA, divided into unchangeable
factors like (age, gender, ethnicity and race) and changeable like behavioral and personality
related factors, environmental condition and social factors (Seefeldt, Malina, & Clark, 2002).
Behavioral and personality related factors includes perceived skill, competence, time and social
factors includes (i.e., friends, adult support) and environmental factors are (i.e. proximity, cost,
facilities, and safety)these multiple factors affects to improve particpation in physical activities
(Humbert, et al. 2006; Greenfield et al. 2015). Whereas Chege (2013) suggested that
implementation of co-curriculum activities is influenced by many factors like resource
allocation, training of children, planning of activities in advance and monitoring extra curriculum
activities. From above studies it’s clear that there are multiple factors affect PA of children.
These multiple factors are categorized broadly as intra-personal, social, environmental factors
that influence on PA of student (Sallis, J. F., & Owen, N. 1998).

A study by Dayi A. et al. (2017) based on logistic model identifies factors affecting PA of
students. Model included factors such as kind of school, family involvement in PA, index of
body mass and previous PA experience of student. Allender (2006) identifies motivating factors
as well as barriers of PA. These factors and barriers vary in different age groups. As this study
focuses on children PA so the motivating factors included Experimentation, Unusual activities,
Parental support, Safe environment and barriers included highly structured activities and
Competitive sports that influences on PA of students.

Healthy life standard is learnt by children from their family circle. Parents play an important role
for children to make their life healthy. Dayi A. et al. (2017) found significant association
between parent’s inactivity and their children inactivity. It concluded from above study that
when parents are not much aware about importance of PA, not only parents are inactive but
children also became inactive. A research found positive correlation between parent’s
involvement in PA and children PA (Columna, 2017).

Stacey et al. (2016) elaborates that Social cognitive theory (SCT) explains PA behavior of a
person. Some social cognitive theory (SCT) based on interventions have increased PA behavior
(Young, et al., 2014). According to Young, et al.,(2014) there are two constructs in SCT that are
self efficacy and expectation outcomes. Bandura (2004) explain self efficacy is an essential
construct of SCT and have direct effect on behavior of a person. Self efficacy is extensively
viewed as the most important contribution in SCT to the PA literature and it’s strongly
associated with PA (Rhodes, 2011; McAuley & Blissmer, 2000). Second construct that is
Outcome expectations of SCT based on judgments about results that will happen due to
performing or not performing particular behavior. This study is related with first construct self
efficacy that is associated with PA behavior.

2.4 Factors of school affecting PA of students:

The most important role in provision of PA to children of school age is of schools(Verstraete &
et al., 2006). Authorities in education sector and public health are directing schools to provide
PA to schools in America (Pate & et al., 2006). The reason of focusing on PAis prevalence of
overweight and obesity in school students. As competition among schools increases, schools
more focuses on technological ways in teaching methods. In literature, researchers found that
Increasing use of technology like Computer games, PCs, TVs, cell phones, and stationary
occupations have all added to an expansion in both inactive behavior and obesity in students
(Church et al., 2011; Clark and Sugiyama, 2015). PA specifically is a health behavior. Higher the
person physically active, more the person becomes healthy. Therefore schools are needed to
design effective programs to promote PA (Centers for Disease Control, 2013).
Awareness of PA is an important factor affecting PA of students and their health. Schools are
first needed to teach students the importance of PA to maintain healthy life style (Centers for
Disease Control, 2013). Previous studies focuses on awareness of PA and its importance for
health of person. Gilany et al. (2011) found that medical students are more aware about PA than
other students hence they are more active and health conscious than other students. It is because
of that, medical student have more awareness that PA is most essential for health and to maintain
fitness. To bring effective awareness of PA in students there is a need of expansion in the
physical education classes (Pate & et al., 2006).

Students are now spending more of their time in schools. So, schools should provide
opportunities to students such as arranging sports programs, arranging extra curriculum activities
and giving sufficient recess time (Verstraete & et al., 2006). Studies show that providing
equipments for sports in recess time results in high level of PA and result is higher in elementary
schools (Verstraete & et al., 2006). Hence it is effective to provide equipments for physical
fitness of students. Trudeau & Shephard(2008) show that student academic performance is
increasing with participation in PA. It not only increases performance but it may also increases
retention rate in school because of good performance.

New methods of learning can also increase PA of students. Active learning methods are needed
to be applied in schools to transform ordinary society into learning society (Niemi, 2002). Active
thinkers and problem solvers are produced when teachers and students both involve in the
learning process (Park, 2003). Students should not be passive and should practically involve in
the learning process because it increases their creativity and critical thinking (Park, 2003). Active
learning increases PA such as students actively perform in visual based learning styles where
they do not have to just listen; they practically see each and every thing. Active learning also
involves demonstrations followed by discussion that encourage students to participate (Bonwell
& Eison, 2005).
3. Methodology

3.1 Philosophical Positions:

Research methodology describes whole map of research how it is conducted. This research based
on inductive approach as it deals with qualitative responses. To describe the philosophical
position of this study, this section first gives a careful look of scholar’s view about importance of
PA on student’s performance and carrier. Literature about factors that affect PA behavior is
shadowed by either positivism or interpretivism. As these two positions are epistemological
consideration that depict how we acquire knowledge about reality and how researcher understand
truth or reality. To identify factors that affecting PA of student different researcher uses different
epistemological and ontological positions. Seefeldt et al. (2002) identify factors by combining
the work of overall literature about factors affecting PA of students by working on conceptual
paper. Similarly Humbert et al. (2006) uses focus group technique, a qualitative technique.
Above both studies based on interpretivism epistemological position because of multiple realities
based on social view of participants by fully attached with respondents. However Dayi et al.
(2017)& Al-Ansari (2016) identify factors by using survey method based on questionnaire by
using positivist philosophical position in which they identify factors by considering phenomena
as object reality based on quantitative data and thus follow realism ontological position.
Ontological consideration describes as the way investigator defines the truth or nature of reality.
There is mainly two ontological views realism or objectivism and relativism or constructivism.
As this study uses qualitative grounded theory approach based on open views of respondents its
epistemological consideration is interpretivism because of multiple views of respondents can be
obtained to develop theory and it also because results is interpreted by researchers. Ontological
consideration is relativism or constructivism because this study uses subjective approach to
describe reality or truth.

3.2 Research design and sample selection:

This is qualitative research based on subjective responses. To develop theory this research uses
grounded theory approach based on inductive reasoning so that we openly explore competition
factors that affect PA of students. Grounded theory approach used broadly to explore any social
science disciplines or issue (Charmaz, K. 2006; Mehmetoglu, M., & Altinay, L. 2006). Grounded
theory approach based inductive reasoning in which the researcher gets in depth information and
explanation from respondents to explore phenomena comprehensively by attached with
respondents (Zikmund, B., & Carr, G, 2010; pp. 139). Grounded theory approach is best and
effective to make theoretical model by assigning conceptual themes and categories and place
elucidation about social phenomena.

Qualitative study is more in-depth study to understand social phenomena that why this study uses
unstructured interview so that respondents openly give responses what study acquires to know.
In opposite to that as Dayi et al. (2017)& Al-Ansari (2016) used deductive approach based on
quantitative data by using survey questionnaire to identify factors affecting PA of students.
Interview technique is more effective to explore factors by attached with phenomena more in-
depth. Interview contains open ended questions.

Data collected from two samples to validate findings i.e. teachers and parents. Interview
questions made separately for both parents and teachers and then we pooled responses to develop
theory. We selected private schools that are competitive as unit of analysis because this study
tries to identify factors cause by competition among schools affecting on PA of students. We
selected teachers because teachers create link between students with schools and these are the
teachers who arranges activities related to sports, subject and activity based project to make them
more active and healthy so their observation and view about students is very much important.
And we select parents, more specifically mothers, for two major reasons. First, after schools
children attached with their parents that’s why their responses and observation matters a lot and
secondly, we get parents views as well to validate results of study. We selected most competitive
schools of Sukkur region. Due to insufficient budget lack of time, as we are fulltime MS
students, we just selected few schools from Sukkur, Sindh Pakistan region by combining
purposive and snow ball sampling technique. Sample size in qualitative research is based on data
saturation so we conducted interviews from five teachers at hostel, one teacher at his school and
one teacher at her home because we think that they get better and open answer in their comfort
area where they live because at schools they are busy enough may not give response openly and
conducted interviews from six parents at their home.
3.3 Interview and Data Analysis:

Interviews were consisted of open ended questions to identify the factors of competition among
schools affecting on PA of students. After giving introductory information about research to
interviewees and seeking the informed consent we asked questions into three sections. First
section was consisted of questions related to importance of PA. Second section was related to
regular schedule of students and PAs arranged by schools. In third section we asked about the
consequences of arranging PA. Our questions of each section slightly differed in parents and
teachers interviews because of difference of perspective. But the whole theme of each section
was not different. Duration of interviews ranged from 15 to 30 minutes. We also did voice
recording of interviews with the consent of respondents. After that we transcribed recordings into
text for analysis.

Analysis of data from interview transcripts was done manually. We transformed our original
transcripts of interviews into summarized form through reading them thoroughly and interpreting
them. We organized data through developing codes from transformed transcripts that are first
order codes or empirical factors. Empirical order codes were categorized on basis of similar
responses from respondents. Conceptual order codes are second order categories in which we
developed themes by interpreting responses and also pooling responses that are overlapping in
empirical order. In last order named as analytical order we gave major themes to conceptual
categories on the basis of interpretation and literature.

Table 01: Impact of competition among schools on PA

First Order Second Order Third Order

Prompt PA
Activities rarely arranged
No PA
Positive and negative impact Positive impact of competition Positive impact of competition
It affects among schools on PA among schools on PA
PA is decreasing
PA is increasing
Moderate level of PA
Importance of physical activities.
Positive impact of PA on
PA is necessary Importance of physical activities.
students
Positive effect on students
Source: Authors’ own analysis
Table 02: Factors of Competition among schools affecting PA

First Order Second Order Third Order

Positive Factors

International and national competition

Different competition
Speech or debate competitions Arrangement of different Arrangement of different
competitions competitions
Essay competition
Sports weeks and parties
Art competitions
Subject based activities
Project based learning
Art work
Making models Project based learning
Physically involvement
Plantation tutorials
Reading and writing

Should arrange physical involvement

activities
Physical involvement
Open environment
Should arrange outdoor periods
Creates interest among students
Learning with physical
Creative homework involvement and creativity
Learning with entertainment
Reduced boredom
Learning with creativity and
Creates imagination entertainment
No cramming
Study tour
Music programs
Create memories

Both are effective depend on topic and

subject.
No use of technology Less use of technology
Very less use of technology
Increasing use of technology
 First Order Second Order Third Order
Positive Factors
Busy schedule
Schedule is flexible for physical activities
Flexible schedule in school too Sufficient time for play at home and
Tough school timing school
Flexible schedule at home
have sufficient time to play
study burden Flexible Schedule & less burden
burden to both students and teacher of homework
No burden of homework
No home work
Less burden of homework
Very less homework
Rarely homework is assigned
no relaxation
tiredness and laziness
There are no playgrounds
Good arrangement of playgrounds
Good arrangement for fitness and
There is playground in school physical activity of students
Good arrangement for fitness and physical
activity of students
physical education class
Good arrangement for fitness
physical training and physical activity of students
sports and experiments
hands on activities
Physical training
business fair
PT class
Regular exercise
arrangement for physical activities
Negative Factors

Focus should be more on education' Parents

Less focus of parents on PA Less focus of parents on PA
Parents do not support
Parents satisfaction
Time consuming for preparation
Time consuming activities. Time Consuming Time Consuming
Time wasting and time consuming.
Source: Authors’ own analysis
Table 03: Consequences of PA

First Order Second Order Third Order

Positive Consequences
Prize distribution for encouragement Student encouragement
Get prize and recognition of schools
Build confidence Confidence
Confidence & Self recognition
Increase student confidence
Explore themselves Self recognition
Students analyze themselves
Mentally healthy student
Increase mental and physical growth
Mental capability mental capability
Active and fresh minded student
Active mind leads to good study
Good for health Health maintenance
Health benefit Health maintenance& physical
growth
Enhance children growth Physical growth
Polish their skills
Skills development Skills development
Develop intra and inter personal skills
Better student performance Student performance
Positive effect and improved grades
No effect on grades
Improves grades but depends on student’s
capability
Increase motivation and performance Effective learning and better
Effective learning performance
Easy pick things,
Focus should be on understanding of students
Increase better understanding
Improve effective learning
PA boost up students learning
Increase school standard Standard of school Standard of school
Negative consequences
Increase tension Increase tension Increase tension
Financial burden on parents
Don’t put expense burden of activities on Expense burden on parents Expense burden on parents
parents
Disturb
Student and teacher disturb
Not disturb Study gets disturbed Study disturbance
Overwhelming competition creates Study
disturbance
Source: Authors’ own analysis

4. Findings
The findings of fourteen interviews show that competitive schools are focusing more on the PA
of students because of its high importance. Schools are conscious about the health of the
students. We found four factors of competition among schools that increase PA and two factors
that decrease PA.

5.1 Factors increasing PA

5.1.1 Arrangement of different competitions:

Increasing competition among schools has increased arrangement of different co-curriculum
activities in order to increase PA of students. Competitions are arranged such as sports
competitions, speech or debate competitions and other art related competitions. Sports
competitions like table tennis, cricket, badminton, speech or debate competitions are arranged.
These competitions are organized on the school level, city level and sometimes national and
international level. Sports weeks are arranged by schools and all students are encouraged to
participate in them. Other religious competitions are also scheduled such as Na’at recitation
competitions.

The teachers of different schools told that our schools incorporate these activities because good
performance is related with good health of students and these activities keep students healthy and
active. Students also enjoy these activities and they participate in activities by heart. Interviewees
from parents sample acknowledged that the sole reason of admission of their children in these
competitive schools is that the schools arrange these competitions which increase confidence of
the students. These schools do not compromise the study because of physical activities; both
education and activity are considered equal. There is no disturbance in study due to these
activities because everything is scheduled in well manner.

These activities raise standard of school because if performance of students will improve than it
is in benefit of school (Respondent from teacher’ sample).
I think that in private schools there is high focus on physical activities. In schools sports are
arranged as well as other activities, like different days are celebrated for example pink day,
orange day etc. Private schools make groups of students in those activities for the recognition of
students. That is why students of private schools are becoming very active and confident
(Respondent from parents’ sample).

5.1.2Learning with physical involvement and creativity:

Increased competition among schools has led them to adapt new methods of learning. According
to one teacher respondent days of one man show are gone now; this is an era of interactive
learning. The competitive schools are focusing more on creative learning rather than on
cramming. Project based learning is a new technique being applied in schools in which students
learn about any subject through physical models. It is activity based learning in which the focus
is not just on reading about lesson and understanding but focus is on understanding through
physical involvement with what students are learning about. For example if three days are
assigned to teach plantation then other three days are assigned to do this practically. When we
asked about the effective technique of learning from teachers, all teachers responded that the
technique in which students is physically involved is effective.

If we think that human is creative then its creativity is visible in open environment where
students can explore new things. If we want to make our children learn better, they should be
allowed to learn in open environment, where they can practically learn things (respondent from
teacher’s sample).

The home works assigned by teachers are interesting for students which enhance their creativity.
Home works assigned to students of small classes are mostly related to art work, drawing and
modeling. Especially the vacation work is very good. In vacation work the schools assigns the
homework that is creative and that motivates for news paper reading. For example they have to
pick out ten latest news form newspaper related to sports. Students write news from newspaper
with reference like on which date and which news was published. These types of homework
create interest among them and motivate to read newspapers because now a days the device like
computer and mobile are mostly used and children are not reading newspapers. They also assign
the homework of writing stories and then they publish it into different magazines and
newspapers for encouraging them.
Use of technology has increased in our daily lives. Though it has made our life easier but it has
many side effects. One of the major side effects is causing obesity in children. Keeping its side-
effects in view schools are more focusing on manual and activity based learning. They give
assignments and homework that entail very less use of technology. Use of technology by higher
class students is more but for small level students is almost negligible.

5.1.3 Flexible Schedule and Less burden of homework:

Competitive schools do not want to put pressure on the students and want to make study
interesting for them so they do not have tight schedules. Though schools have long hours but the
classes are scheduled in a way that students do not fed up. Classes schedule is normal and break
timing is sufficient for the students. Students are able to get sufficient time for playing games
and having lunch. Flexible timing does not mean that schedule changes according to students; it
means that children can get enough time for playing games and they do not have rigid timings of
classes, while there is discipline in timing.

Previously it was viewed that homework was a huge burden on students which created boredom
and a sense of hatred against studies in students. Due to huge homework burden students were
not able to play games. Their whole day was exhausted at tuitions and completing assignments.
Now competitive schools do not put burden of home works on students. When we asked from
parents of students of competitive schools of Sukkur that what is the schedule of their children at
home the response was mostly satisfactory. The students get very less home work and most of its
part is done in the classrooms for example, making models, art work, reading and writing so
students are not loaded with lots of homework. The home works are mostly based on creativity
and very less home works are given for cramming. When there is less homework, students can
easily take time for playing games at home.

There is no burden of homework. He rarely gets homework from schools and models, art work or
other things are prepared by students at schools. But there is disadvantage that parents do not
know what my child has learnt (Respondent from parent’s sample).

When my children come back from school, they have lunch and go for tuition. They spend two
hours there. Then after coming back from the tuition, my children get engaged in the activities
for leisure such as my son goes for playing cricket and daughter watches T.V. They mostly spend
one hour in these activities. They get time regularly for their rest and other physical activities.
The children are also punctual in offering prayer on time and reciting holy Quran (Respondent
from parent’s sample).

Every school has different criteria and different time period allocated for homework and tests of
different subject. But each school prefers that homework should not be burden on students and
should consume less time in completing it. Most of the parents admitted that there is no
homework burden on the students. Schools are focusing that students should understand in good
quality rather than just in high quantity. To reinforce that understanding they design different
tests or assign readings and writings. But there are some things that are facts based so students
have to memorize. But main focus is on conceptual learning of students.

But unfortunately the class schedule and quantity of home work is decided on the basis of an
active and intelligent student. Some times normal or weak students cannot get time to play games
in break because they complete their works so schedule is tight for them.

5.1.4 Good arrangement for fitness and physical training of students:

Physical training is becoming important subject in schools. All schools have separate class
timings for physical training. Some schools have daily classes for physical training while some
has once or twice in a week. Physical training classes are frequently scheduled for students of
small classes. While there is also specific timing allocated for exercise regularly in morning
assembly which makes students active and alert. Schools have special teachers for physical
training and sports. There are large playgrounds in competitive schools. There are different
spaces allocated for different games such as cricket, basket ball and badminton. There are many
arrangements for the fitness of students. While some schools are also near to hockey and cricket
stadiums where many sports competitions are held by schools. But despite of having large
playground the students of small classes are not allowed to outside from the class.

My son is in class one so he is not allowed to go outside the class which is very dangerous for his
physical and mental growth that is why there is laziness in the children (Respondent from
parent’s sample).
5.2 Factors decreasing PA

5.2.1 Less focus of parents on PA:

The factor that decreases the positive impact of competition on PA is that parents do not support
schools in these activities. Parents of students in competitive schools mostly focus on the grades
of their children and they do not ask for the co-curriculum activities arranged at schools. The
focus from schools on PA can increase if parents start to ask about these activities but parents
think about PA as wastage of time.

After getting admission into this school the PA of my daughter has increased. Rather I would say
that activity is more than education. Study should be more focused. The school is more focusing
on other activities (Respondent from parent’s sample).

I have experience of thirteen years in teaching and I have taught in best schools of Sukkur. What
I saw generally is that parents never question from schools that how much time schools are
providing students for PA. Schools are required more sports equipments, space, time and
physical trainers etc for PA of students which is costly for them. So they focus on the things that
parents want. Parents here in Sukkur think that if children play for thirty minutes then it is
enough for them. But actually this is not enough. Parents are needed to check that in whether
schools are giving trainings of running, jumping and athletics or not. In schools, if one student is
good in studies then he or she cannot spend time of co-curriculum activities. Because parents do
not permit for these activities or student itself do not wanted to participate due to loss of study
(Respondent from teacher’s sample).

5.2.2Time Consuming:
Although PA has positive effects on the students and schools but these activities need time.
Competitive could not arrange these activities frequently because these activities need time for
preparation and arrangement. Keeping the importance of study in view schools consider PAas
secondary and focus more on regular study. According to teachers learning needs time and these
activities consume the time of study. If time is consumed more on these activities then learning
quality cannot be achieved. Mostly PA are scheduled properly but if there is no proper planning
then these activities create burden for students as well as teachers.
It takes time to get ready for these competitions so their study gets disturbed because about one
week they take for preparation and for that they miss their classes. Sometime students sacrifice
their break timing to get prepare for these activities (Respondent from teacher’s sample).

5. Discussion
The study is focused on identifying the factors of competition among schools that affect on PA
of students. We found that factors that increase the PA are prevailing in the most competitive
schools of Sukkur. Our study agrees with Gibbons & Silva (2015)which shows that competition
brings improvement in schools. While in the schools that are not much competitive there is less
focus on PA and there is much burden on students. Competitive schools do not consider PA as an
extra activity. They consider PA as important as teaching other subjects. Schools arrange
different competitions such as sports competitions, speech or debate competitions and art
competitions within and between schools(Verhoeff, 1997) that highly increase the PA of
students.

Competitive schools are doing efforts to make study interesting for students. In most competitive
schools the students are not forced to learn and do assignments. They motivate students through
unique techniques such as physically involving students into the objects and things that are being
studied. In contrast to studies of Church et al., (2011) and Clark and Sugiyama, (2015) which
show that competitive schools are focusing on technological methods, we found that competitive
schools are trying to use less technology because it creates obesity in students. Schools are more
preferring new learning methods with physical involvement. Through these techniques students
become creative and get interest in learning new things.

Arrangement of fitness for students is very necessary (Gallahue & Donnelly, 2007). There are
separate classes for physical training of students in competitive schools where students do
exercise regularly and learn how to become fit and healthy. All schools should keep the
consequences of the arrangement of PA in view and then decide whether to enhance these
activities or not. There are positive as well as negative consequences of PA arranged by
competitive schools. Agreeing with Verhoeff(1997)who focused on importance of physical
activities, we generally found that competition among schools have positive effect on physical
activities.
6.1 Positive Consequences
• Confidence and Self recognition: The competitions arranged by schools raise
confidence level of students. PA are source of recognition for children and consequently
for school. students who participate and perform better get rewards, prizes and shields
which motivate them to continuously participate in physical activities.

• Mental capability: Many researches prove the PA sharpens minds of children(Cavill,

Biddle, & Sallis, 2001). Children’s mind becomes active and energetic with physical
activities.

• Health maintenance and physical growth: PA improves digestion system. When

children move their body it consumes more energy and children feel hunger. Due to this
children take proper diet and this leads health maintenance and physical growth (Dayi,
2017).

• Effective learning and better performance: When students’ mental capability and
health is improved they can learn more effectively. PA reduces boredom so students learn
better and take more interest. When students learn through physical involvement they
become creative because students can explore new things through physically watching
things such as learning process of growth in plant practically. With the help of creativity
based leaning students can remember thing easily so their performance improves.

• Skills development: PA brings creativity in students. They learn new skills and abilities.
For example they become good at sports, developing models, art work etc.

• Standard of school: PA is not only beneficial for students but also for schools.
Participation of students into different competitions is a source of recognition for students
as well as schools. When students’ performance improves due to physical activities, it
also raises the level of schools.

6.2 Negative consequences

We found that there are also negative consequences of PA but they are minor.

• Increase Tension: The management of these activities is very difficult. Teachers and
students feel burden because they have to complete the course and participate in these
 activities. Some students are weak and they take time in doing assignments. So, all
students are not able to participate in physical activities.
• Expense burden on parent: PA requires many resources. When schools are unable to
bear the expenses alone they put these expenses on parents. Competitive schools charge
higher fees which is problem for parents (Epple, Dennis, & Richard, 1998). They charge
higher fees because they provide many facilities like arranging PA
• Disturbance in study: Some schools, who face difficulty in managing physical
activities, believed that study gets disturbed due to these activities because mind of
students is diverted to the other co-curriculum activities.
The above negative points lead to two factors that decrease PA. Sometimes there is disturbance
in study due to competitions and physical training classes so parents assume these activities as
wastage of time and other resources3. Agreeing with Columna (2017) children give importance
to the things that are important in front of their parents. So parents do not focus on these
activities and they do not encourage their children to participate in physical activities. Planning
and arrangement of these activities requires time management. Another reason that decreases PA
is that the schools are unable to manage schedule for these activities so frequent arrangement of
PA is discouraged. Some schools even reduce break time of students (Russell, 2006).
Previous studies presented factors that affect PA but do not provided factors of competition that
affect PA. We developed a theoretical link between competition among schools and PA of
students. Due to shortage of resources our study is limited to schools of Sukkur region. This
study can further be done into other and broader contexts. The factors affecting PA that we
identified can be tested in public schools to examine the PA of students in the schools where
competition among schools is less. In Sukkur city mostly competitive schools are branches of
large schools systems from other major cities. The factors of competition mentioned in findings
section can be tested in the context of competitive schools of large cities.

3
Extra-curricular Activities Are Important For Students. (2014, May 07). Retrieved November
26, 2017, from https://eduflow.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/extra-curricular-activities-are-
important-for-students/
 6. Model
Factors (that increase PA)
- Arrangement of different
competitions
- Learning with physical
involvement and creativity
- Flexible schedule and less
Competition burden of homework
among School - Good arrangment of
physical training and fitness
for students
Factors (that decrease PA)
- Less focus of parents on
PA
-Time Consuming
Physical Activity
Positive Consequences
- Confidence and self
recognition
- Mental capability
- Health maintenance and
physical growh
- Effective learning and
better performance
- Skills development
- Standard of school
Negative
Consequences
- Increase Tension
- Expense burden on
parents
-Disturbance in study
 7. Implication
Private schools are needed to encourage physical activities given that above positive and
negative consequences of physical activities arranged by schools. Competitive schools should
focus on the factors that are Physical training, Arrangement of different competitions, Creative
learning with physical involvement, Flexible schedule and less burden of homework to support
PA. But there are also some constraints in arrangement of PA that are Less parents attention and
Time Consuming; so they should work for diminishing these negative factors.

8. Conclusion
Nowadays emerging competition among schools has changed student’s personal and academic
life. This study is undertaken to identify competition factors affecting on students PA and
consequences of PA. By reviewing literature and interview approach we identify competition
factors that increase and decrease PA of students especially in this study we talk about children.
Additionally, we not only identify positive and negative consequences of PA but also identify
overall effect of emerging competition on PA of students that will leads to affect their academic
performance. By combining all factors and consequences of PA we make above given model by
using qualitative grounded theory approach, analysis based on making three orders categories.

More specifically, we divide competition factors into two categories; first, competition factors
that increase PA and second, competition factors that decrease PA of students as competition
emerges. Factors of competition that increases PA included Arrangement of different
competitions, learning with physical involvement and creativity, flexible schedule and less
burden of homework, good arrangement of physical training and fitness for students. Factors of
competition that decreases PA included less focus of parents on PA and Time Consuming. These
factors emerge through examining the responses of teachers and parents related to competition
among schools and PA involvement of children because every time children spend their time
with their parents and teachers. We also linked these factors with existing literature of schools’
competition and PA.

Similarly through linking literature and interviewee responses, we further explore positive and
negative consequences of PA that’s necessary to identify for betterment of students personal
health and academic performance. The model emerged in this study shows positive
consequences include: confidence and self recognition, increase mental capability, health
maintenance and physical growth, effective learning and better performance, skills development
and increase standard of school. Whereas negative consequences of PA include: increased
tension, financial burden on parents and disturbance in study.

Previous researches also contributed in examining factors of competition and benefits of PA but
this study is qualitative in nature as we have used grounded theory approach. In another way this
study contributes in literature as it not only identifies competition factors but also examine effect
of those factors on PA of students in which we select parents and teachers of some most
competitive schools from which we collected data to get most relevant findings. The model
emerged through grounded theory approach in which factors shows clear identification of
increasing and deceasing effect of PA.

Even though this study provide sufficient information that is needed, there are few limitations of
the study is to explore these factors further by taking different sample having age difference such
as taking college students etc. so that we can come up with generalized form of model that shows
emerging competition affect overall different age groups has an effect on PA. Further this study
can also carried out to take sample from different region, because in this study we take specific
region, to find the competition factors, due to limited time and resources. As a way further we
can also identify impact of competition among schools on mental ability of students. The given
model is theorized through qualitative based inductive method of grounded theory. The results of
this study are not generalizable to overall students of different age groups taken from single
region and sue to other limitation mentioned above.