Baskin as an Inclusive Educational Laboratory in University Sport Sciences Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.3.10

Keywords:

inclusive sport, baskin, sport sciences, inclusive education, adapted physical activity, university education

Abstract

Background. Social inclusion is a central priority in educational and sport policies, aiming to create participatory environments that value diversity. Baskin, an innovative inclusive sport, enables individuals with and without disabilities to participate together through differentiated roles and adapted rules, fostering interaction and cooperation.

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the educational and social impact of a Baskin laboratory implemented within a university Sport Sciences course, with particular attention to students’ perceived inclusion, relational dynamics, and professional development.

Materials and Methods. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected using the Perceived Inclusion Questionnaire (PIQ), administered before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention. Qualitative data were gathered through systematic observations, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The sample included 175 university students and 13 individuals with motor disabilities. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests and Cohen’s d, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis.

Results. The results showed a statistically significant increase in perceived inclusion, social acceptance, and relational support (p < .001), with a large effect size (d = 0.82). Qualitative findings highlighted changes in students’ perceptions of disability, increased empathy, the development of professional competencies, and enhanced group cohesion. The laboratory promoted cooperative behaviors and reduced relational barriers.

Conclusions. The Baskin laboratory proved to be an effective pedagogical tool for inclusive education in Sport Sciences. It supports the development of relational, reflective, and professional skills while fostering meaningful inclusion through structured experiential learning.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Emma Saraiello, Parthenope University of Naples

Department of Medical, Motor and Wellness Sciences,
Naples, Italy
esaraiello@gmail.com

Federica Badii Esposito, Parthenope University of Naples

Department of Medical, Motor and Wellness Sciences,
Naples, Italy
federica.badiiesposito@uniparthenope.it

Gianluca Gravino, Parthenope University of Naples

Department of Medical, Motor and Wellness Sciences,
Naples, Italygiangravino@live.it

References

UNESCO. (2020). Inclusion and education: All means all. Global Education Monitoring Report. Paris: UNESCO.

Di Palma, D., Tafuri, M.G., & Ogbondah, L.D. (2025). Sport as a tool for inclusion and sustainability in secondary school: A qualitative-quantitative analysis. Rivista di studi sulla sostenibilità, 10, 1, 2025, 93-108. https://doi.org/10.3280/riss2025oa19679 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3280/riss2025oa19679

Raiola, G., Tafuri, D., & Altavilla, G. (2015). Physical activity and its relation to body and ludic expression in childhood. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6, 293-296. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s2p293 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s2p293

Di Palma, D., & Tafuri, D. (2016). Special needs and inclusion in sport management: a specific literature review. Sport Science, 9(2), 24-31 ref. 29.

Darcy, S., Lock, D., & Taylor, T. (2016). Enabling Inclusive Sport Participation: Effects of Disability and Support Needs on Constraints to Sport Participation. Leisure Sciences, 39, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2016.1151842 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2016.1151842

Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01

Latino, F., Tafuri, F., Saraiello, E., & Tafuri, D. (2023). Classroom-based physical activity as a means to improve self-efficacy and academic achievement among Normal-weight and overweight youth. Nutrients, 15(9), 2061. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092061 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092061

Tafuri, M.G., Gravino, G., Scala, G., Palmiero, F., & Romano, G. (2025). The impact of baskin on promoting inclusion in a secondary school. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 20(4), 1151-1158. https://doi.org/10.55860/wztbxa08 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55860/wztbxa08

Latino, F., Saraiello, E., & Tafuri, F. (2023). Outdoor Physical Activity: A Training Method for Learning in an Experiential and Innovative Way. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(7), 1852-1860. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.07225 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.07225

Latino, F., Tafuri, F., Maisuradze, M., & Tafuri, M.G. (2025). Enhancing Academic Performance, Cognitive Functions, and Mental Well-Being Through Active Breaks: Evidence from a Pilot Study with University Student Sample. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(11), 1605. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111605 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111605

Creswell, J.W., & Plano Clark, V.L. (2017). Digital technologies and learning in physical education: Pedagogical cases. Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage.

Venetz, M., Zurbriggen, C.L.A., Eckhart, M., Schwab, S., & Hessels, M.G.P. (2015). The perceptions of inclusion questionnaire (PIQ). http://www.piqinfo.ch

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Haegele, J.A., & Hodge, S.R. (2016). Disability discourse: Overview and critiques of the medical and social models. Quest, 68(2), 193-206. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2016.1143849 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2016.1143849

Dyson, B., Griffin, L.L., & Hastie, P. (2004). Sport education, tactical games, and cooperative learning: Theoretical and pedagogical considerations. Quest, 56(2), 226-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2004.10491823 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2004.10491823

Tafuri, M.G., Gravino, G., Scala, G., Di Palma, D., & Romano, G. (2026). Effects of an instructional handball programme on motor and social skills in a secondary school: A randomized study with qualitative-quantitative design. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 21(1), 82-92. https://doi.org/10.55860/y00gk130 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55860/y00gk130

Susanto, N., Setyawan, H., Fitriady, G., Anam, K., Jiménez, J.V.G., Latino, F., ... & Purwoto, S.P. (2024). Adaptive physical education learning: evaluation by teachers of deaf students at special elementary schools. Human Movement, 25(3), 120-128. https://doi.org/10.5114/hm/192889 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hm/192889

Tafuri, M.G., Tafuri, D., & Latino, F. (2025). Relationship Between Obesity and Impairment of Cognitive Functions: An Investigation into the Integrated Role of Nutritional Education and Physical Activity in Lower Secondary School. Nutrients, 17(15), 2531. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152531 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152531

Johnson, D.W., & Johnson, R.T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Researcher. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X09339057 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X09339057

Latino, F., Greco, G., Fischetti, F., & Cataldi, S. (2019). Multilateral training improves body image perception in female adolescents. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 14(Proc4). https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2019.14.Proc4.55 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2019.14.Proc4.55

Mazzeo, F., Monda, M., Messina, G., Santamaria, S., Messina, A., Montesano, M., ... & Tafuri, D. (2016). Doping in Italy: An analysis of its spread in ten years. Biology and Medicine, 8(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.4172/0974-8369.1000263 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/0974-8369.1000263

Downloads

Published

2026-05-30

How to Cite

Saraiello, E., Badii Esposito, F., & Gravino, G. (2026). Baskin as an Inclusive Educational Laboratory in University Sport Sciences Education. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 26(3), 490–498. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.3.10

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Articles. Pedagogical Models and Instructional Design

Most read articles by the same author(s)