Learning outcomes of elementary School Children Low Skilled in horizontal bar exercises after implementation of an annual unit program for three years: A Case Study

This study examined the learning outcomes of elementary school children who had low skills in horizontal bar exercises over a period of 3 years. We conducted a program of horizontal bar exercises every year from the first grade to the third grade, and examined the children’s learning behaviors and outcomes. Learning outcomes were evaluated against criteria for observational evaluation. It was found that when children first learned horizontal bar movement, they possessed only minimal skills. However, with repeated practice, their skills improved. It was also revealed that they were unable to use certain techniques without practicing for some time, even if they had accomplished the technique once. This suggested that horizontal bar exercise skills need to be learned repeatedly every year. In particular, in order to improve the learning outcomes of low-skilled children, it is necessary to practice in both the first and second grades. For learning horizontal bar movements, teaching each skill separately is not desirable, since the movements learned first may form the basis for those learned next. Teachers are encouraged to plan their teaching considering these findings.