What moves children to move? Pre-adolescent children’s motivation for physical education

Abstract

Based on self-determination theory and achievement goal theory, the research investigated pre-adolescent (9-12 years of age) children’s motivational orientations in physical education. Various factors were identified that impact on children's motivation. Some differences in motivation emerged based on age, gender, level of motor proficiency and national culture. The findings of the research could inform the design of physical education programs and interventions to stimulate children’s motivation to actively engage in the class.