Home      Login

Abstract: 

This study explores the relationship between children’s enjoyment and perceived competence in physical education (PE) and the effects these factors have on physical activity outside of school. One hundred children in the fifth through eighth grades completed questionnaires pertaining to their enjoyment and perceived competence in PE and their participation in physical activity outside of school (seven-day recall). Results indicated a positive correlation between enjoyment in PE and perceived competence in PE. In addition, children with higher perceptions of competence in school PE reported greater participation in physical activity outside of the school environment. Enjoyment alone in PE had no statistical significance, however, in determining physical activity outside of school. Males reported significantly higher enjoyment in PE than females. The findings suggest that PE practitioners should consider promoting children’s perceived competence through the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate lessons and strategies. Motivation theories suggest using a task-orientated mastery approach to produce positive development in these areas. Adopting such an approach has been shown to contribute toward feelings of enjoyment and intrinsic motivation, thereby encouraging children to seek out and sustain regular physical activity and, by consequence, a healthier lifestyle.

Keywords: Physical activity, physical education, perceived competence, enjoyment

Affiliations:  1: University of South Carolina; 2: University of South Carolina; 3: Florida Atlantic University; 4: Florida Atlantic University; 5: Broward College.