Making physical education meaningful for girls: Translating theory to practice

Authors

  • Sandra Gibbons University of Victoria
  • Louise Humbert University of Saskatchewan
  • Viviene Temple University of Victoria

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the phases in a formative research process used to develop a resource manual to support teachers in their efforts to assist female students to find more meaning in physical education. Concepts drawn from the self-determination theory of motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000) provided the theoretical framework for the manual. This theory suggests that motivation to engage in a particular behaviour is influenced by an individual's need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The authors describe how these concepts were used to help physical education teachers identify and utilize a wide range of curriculum actions and instructional strategies to address the motivational needs of their female students. The authors include extracts of how teachers are currently using the manual to document their practice and change in practice.

 

 

 Cet article aborde les diverses étapes d'un processus de recherche formative ayant servi à mettre au point un guide pour appuyer les efforts des enseignantes et des enseignants qui désirent intéresser davantage les filles à l'éducation physique et  les motiver à participer pleinement. Le cadre théorique du manuel s'inspire des concepts clés de la théorie motivationnelle axée sur l'auto-détermination (Deci et Ryan, 1985, 2000) selon laquelle la motivation à s'adonner à un comportement quelconque est influencé par le besoin d'autonomie, de compétence et de rapprochement qui anime la personne. Les auteures décrivent en quoi ces concepts ont aidé les enseignantes et les enseignants d'éducation physique à identifier et utiliser toute une gamme de mesures et de stratégies éducatives pour répondre aux besoins motivationnels des étudiantes. L'article renferme aussi des extraits qui expliquent en quoi les enseignantes et les enseignants utilisent maintenant le guide pour documenter et modifier leurs pratiques.

 

Author Biographies

Sandra Gibbons, University of Victoria

School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education
University of Victoria
Professor

Louise Humbert, University of Saskatchewan

College of Kinesiology Associate Professor

Viviene Temple, University of Victoria

School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education Associate Professor

Downloads

Published

2010-01-29

Issue

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond

Most read articles by the same author(s)