Putting Theory Into Practice : Enhancing Motivation Through OPTIMAL Strategies
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework containing several strategies designed to increase motivation among children in physical activity settings by facilitating optimally challenging experiences. Optimal challenge occurs when the challenge of an activity is highly balanced with an individual’s abilities to successfully perform the task. Optimal challenge is a construct at the heart of three influential contemporary theories of motivation (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Harter, 1978a). When people feel optimally challenged during an activity, they are more likely to have a quality subjective experience and be intrinsically motivated to take part in the activity at that time and in the future. In this paper, theory and research regarding optimal challenge in educational and sport settings are reviewed. Finally, strategies to facilitate optimal challenge arising from prior theory and research are presented.Cet article vise à fournir un cadre théorique qui intègre plusieurs stratégies conçues pour motiver davantage les enfants qui s’adonnent à l’activité physique en favorisant des types d’expériences qui présentent un défi optimal. On parle de défi optimal lorsqu’une personne atteint le meilleur équilibre possible entre le défi que pose une activité et l’aptitude de la personne à relever efficacement ce défi. Le défi optimal constitue le fondement de trois théories contemporaines influentes (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990 ; Deci et Ryan, 1985 ; Harter, 1978a). Quand les gens perçoivent qu’une activité quelconque constitue un défi optimal, ils tendent davantage à vivre une expérience de qualité subjective et être motivés, de façon intrinsèque, à s’adonner à cette activité au moment même et plus tard. Ce document examine les théories et la recherche axées sur le défi optimal et leur application dans des contextes éducatifs et sportifs. Il analyse également les stratégies favorables au défi optimal dont font état diverses théories et recherches antérieures.
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Published
2009-04-24
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Feature Articles / Articles de fond
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