Applying Stakeholder Theory and the Garbage Can Model to Decision-Making in PE Curriculum Optimization at Vocational Colleges

With educational reform advancing and emphasis on students’ holistic development growing, optimizing PE curricula in vocational colleges has become a complex challenge. This study examines it by integrating Stakeholder Theory and the Garbage Can Model, adopting a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. The findings show it’s a multifaceted process with conflicting interests, ambiguous objectives, limited resources, and dynamic policies. Integrating the two theories, a comprehensive decision-making framework is proposed, suggesting that successful reform depends on inclusive participation, flexible strategies, and adaptive governance.