Autonomous motivation in physical education among younger children – Research – 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.

Project periode
1.3.2025-1.3.2029
Funding
NTNU
Research group
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).
Participants from NTNU
-
Ruben Vist Hagen Associate Professor
ruben.v.hagen@ntnu.no Department of Teacher Education -
Håvard Wuttudal Lorås Professor
+47-73558954 +4795796623 havard.loras@ntnu.no Department of Teacher Education -
Vigdis Vedul-Kjelsås Associate Professor
+47-73558958 vigdis.vedul-kjelsas@ntnu.no Department of Teacher Education
External participants
- James Rudd, Professor, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences