Exploring the effectiveness of task-based bilingual learning in physical education: insights from technology-enhanced and cross-cultural approaches

Combining bilingual education with Physical Education (PE) has emerged as a unique model to boost language acquisition and fitness. Linguistic skills thrive in PE as students are drawn to its visuo-motor features. This study designed and evaluated a bilingual PE programme, examining its effects on students' language and motor skills. Conducted in bilingual high schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the programme used both Chinese and English for instruction. Adopting a mixed-methods design (qualitative focus group discussions and quantitative pre-/post-tests) with purposive and snowball sampling, data were collected from PE teachers, language experts and students over two months. Quantitative analysis used SPSS V25, while qualitative data were thematically analysed via NVivo 12. The results showed the curriculum significantly improved students' language proficiency, physical fitness, cultural competence and engagement. In the whole process, task-based activities with cultural elements and wearable devices' real-time feedback enhanced outcomes. This study offers a novel approach to bilingual PE and contributes to education research by providing an interdisciplinary curriculum model.