Motivation in Physical Education classes of senior high school grades

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to make a diagnosis and analyze students’ motivation in Physical Education classes of the senior high school of the public school system in the city of Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil. This descriptive research comprised a population of 12,889 students, males and females, with 15-to-17-year average age, enrolled in the three grades of senior high school. The sample comprised 240 students randomly selected from four schools: 60 students per school, 20 from each grade, 10 males and 10 females. A questionnaire constituted by 16 mixed questions was applied to the students. The data were analyzed through frequency and percentage calculus. The results demonstrated that Physical Education classes are not so highly motivated, once the students have been given the same contents since the first grades, prevailing sports. Command and open teaching have been the most frequently used methodology, despite most of the students answering that they do what they want to in class. Evaluation comprises attendance and theoretical/practical classes. The students demonstrated a strong interest in classes, but those who are not so much interested answered that the classes were demotivating, besides backing appropriate materials and space. Thus it may be concluded that students motivation in Physical Education classes in the senior high school grades is not so clear.