Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to study the current and expected situation of sustainable development in physical education (PE) teaching in private colleges in Shaanxi Province, (2) to develop strategic approaches for promoting sustainable PE teaching in private colleges, and (3) to evaluate the suitability and feasibility of the proposed strategies.

A mixed-methods approach was employed. The sample comprised 200 physical education teachers and sports administrators from eight private colleges, selected through cluster sampling. The primary research instrument was a five-point rating scale questionnaire, with an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) ranging from 0.60 to 1.00, discrimination indices between 0.42 and 0.89, and a reliability coefficient of 0.88. Additional tools included focus group discussions and expert evaluation forms. Data were analysed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, PNImodified index and content analysis.

The findings were as follows: (1) The current situation of PE teaching was rated at a high level, with faculty development and professional training emerging as the strongest area. However, the expected situation was rated at a very high level, indicating critical development gaps, particularly in financial sustainability and community collaboration (PNImodified = 0.52 and 0.46 respectively). (2) The developed strategic framework consisted of one vision, seven missions, seven strategic goals, seven core strategies, seven projects, 31 activities and 31 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), all tailored to the institutional context. (3) Expert evaluations confirmed that the strategies were highly feasibility and adaptability for practical implementation, demonstrating strong alignment with institutional needs and educational policy directions.

This research offers a practical and strategic model for sustainable PE development in private higher education. It provides a foundation for educational policy design, institutional reform and stakeholder engagement. The findings contribute to the advancement of national health goals under the Healthy China 2030 initiative and the international development agenda outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

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