Implementation of the Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness (PATHFIT) Curriculum in Philippine Higher Education Institutions: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Analysis of Faculty Experiences, Pedagogical Practices, and Institutional Readiness
Objectives: To investigate the implementation of the Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFIT) curriculum in higher education institutions in the Bicol Region, Philippines. Method: A convergent-mixed method design was applied with 71 purposefully selected PATHFIT instructors from state, local, and private higher education. Quantitative data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. Qualitative responses were assessed using thematic analysis. Triangulation of findings was used to provide a full knowledge of curriculum implementation. Findings: Faculty reported positive teaching experiences (M = 3.82) and regular use of learner-centred, performance-based techniques (M = 4.25). The assessment was based on physical fitness, motor proficiency, involvement, cognitive learning and values development. Sports facilities and instructional resources were evaluated as good (M 3.51). Instructors experienced obstacles related to diverse student fitness levels, limited time and specialized training needs (M 3.25). One-way ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference in teaching experience based on educational attainment (F(2, 67) = 4.78, p = 0.011). Pearson's correlation showed that there was a substantial moderate positive association between teaching experiences and pedagogical approaches (r = 0.537, p < 0.001). Novelty: It is one of the first mixed-methods studies on the implementation of PATHFIT in Philippine higher education. It combines faculty experience, pedagogical practices, assessment, institutional support, challenges, and professional development priorities with the UNESCO Quality Physical Education Framework. It provides evidence-based recommendations for improving curriculum implementation, faculty development, institutional quality assurance, and policy development to advance physical education and lifelong wellness. Keywords: PATHFIT, physical education, higher education, curriculum implementation, faculty experiences, institutional support