The Effectiveness of Educational Leadership in Utilizing Physical and Sports Education Periods to Build a Culture of Peace and Social Cohesion: An Analytical Study of the Management of Official Secondary Schools in Lebanon

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational leadership in utilizing physical and sports education periods to enhance social cohesion and build a culture of peace in official secondary schools in Lebanon. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology, and a closed-ended questionnaire was administered to a sample of 73 principals. The results revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.702) between the efficiency of educational leadership in utilizing the sports period and the degree of promoting social cohesion. While current practices showed a good performance (mean = 2.58), they were below the optimal level. Structural obstacles were identified, most notably societal customs, resource scarcity, and political pressures. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of specific strategies such as participatory planning and building partnerships, and offers practical recommendations for developing school policies to enhance the role of the sports period as an effective tool for social cohesion.