ERIC Number: EJ832305
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1937-0814
EISSN: N/A
Students' Motivation, Physical Activity Levels, & Health-Related Physical Fitness in Middle School Physical Education
Gao, Zan; Newton, Maria; Carson, Russell L.
Middle Grades Research Journal, v3 n4 p21-39 Win 2008
This study examines the predictive utility of students' motivation (self-efficacy and task values) to their physical activity levels and health-related physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength/endurance) in middle school fitness activity classes. Participants (N = 305) responded to questionnaires assessing their self-efficacy and task values (perceptions of importance, interest, and usefulness) toward fitness activities near the end of the school year. They completed the PACER and curl-up tests to measure their cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength/endurance, respectively. Then their physical activity levels in one fitness class were measured via pedometers during a 1-week follow-up. Regression analyses suggested that students' self-efficacy, perceptions of importance, interest, and usefulness of fitness made significant contributions to the prediction of their physical activity levels in class. Self-efficacy was the only significant predictor of cardiovascular fitness, whereas none of the motivational variables emerged as predictor of muscular strength/endurance. The educational implications are provided for teachers and health professionals. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Physical Education, Muscular Strength, Physical Activities, Self Efficacy, Health Personnel, Physical Fitness, Student Motivation, Physical Activity Level, Middle School Students, Predictor Variables, Questionnaires, Student Attitudes
Institute for School Improvement, Missouri State University. 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897. Tel: 417-836-8854; Fax: 417-836-8881; Web site: http://www.isi.missouristate.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A