Autonomous motivation in physical education among younger children

Research project at The Department of Teacher Education

Autonomous motivation in physical education among younger children

Understanding young children's motivation in Physical Education (PE) is crucial for researchers and teachers to effectively support their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, as well as to promote positive physical activity (PA) behaviors.

Playground. Poto
Photo: Pixabay

Project periode

Project periode

1.3.2025-1.3.2029

Funding

Funding

NTNU

About the project

About the project

Understanding young children's motivation in Physical Education is crucial for researchers and teachers to support their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, as well as to promote participation in physical activity. Despite this, there are few instruments designed for this age group in a Norwegian context. The aim of this project is therefore to translate, validate, and implement the Motivation Assessment Tool for Physical Education (MAT-PE) to assess autonomous motivation among students in grades 1-2, as well as to examine differences in motivation between girls and boys.

Method: Mixed methods. Drawings and interview, with responses coded using a coding book.

Theoretical Framework: Self-Determination Theory (SDT).