Children's experiences of fun and enjoyment during a season of sport education

Citation

MacPhail A, Gorely T, Kirk D & Kinchin G (2008) Children's experiences of fun and enjoyment during a season of sport education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 79 (3), pp. 344-355. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2008.10599498

Abstract
This paper reports on a 16-week sport education (SE) unit with just over 70 year 5 students (M age = 10.04 years) in one United Kingdom school during the spring and summer terms and discusses students' SE experiences. Student interviews were conducted throughout the season and a questionnaire on different motivation aspects was administered prior to and before completing the SE season. We report and examine the data in relation to hypothesized influences on fun and enjoyment, including being part of a team, autonomy, and improving game play. The principal reasons SE may be more enjoyable than previous physical education lessons include the greater opportunities for autonomy, affiliation, and competition, plus perceived learning.

Keywords
autonomy; motivation; perceived competence

Journal
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Volume 79, Issue 3