Breaking new ground in PE evaluation: A novel QFD-fuzzy TOPSIS fusion model for kindergarten curriculum quality assessment

The quality of kindergarten curricula is fundamental to promoting the holistic development of young children. However, existing physical education (PE) curriculum evaluation systems often face challenges due to the strong subjectivity of evaluation criteria and insufficient methodological systematization. To address these limitations, this study introduces an innovative integrated model combining Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS) for assessing the quality of kindergarten PE curricula. This framework first employs QFD to systematically identify and translate the curriculum needs of diverse stakeholders—including parents, teachers, and administrators—into precise, quantifiable evaluation indicators. Subsequently, the Fuzzy TOPSIS method is applied to process the evaluation data, aiming to enhance the comprehensiveness and objectivity of the assessment framework. Comprehensiveness is achieved through QFD's systematic translation of multi-stakeholder requirements, while objectivity is ensured by Fuzzy TOPSIS quantifying uncertainties inherent in the evaluation, supported by a hybrid weighting method combining subjective and objective elements. Empirical validation involving five representative kindergartens demonstrates that this model not only provides relatively scientific and accurate assessments of PE curriculum quality but also precisely identifies specific strengths and weaknesses of the curricula, thereby generating actionable recommendations for improvement. Through this pioneering approach, this study contributes to advancing early childhood PE curriculum evaluation practices and provides support for enhancing the quality standards of kindergarten PE curricula. • Proposes a developmentally appropriate evaluation framework for early childhood physical education. • Innovatively integrates QFD and fuzzy set theory for a rigorous interdisciplinary methodology. • Establishes an empirically validated operational framework for curriculum optimization.