Investigation of student engagement in physical training classes at school

Abstract

The paper presents the concept of student engagement in Physical Training classes, which is defined as a set of behavioral and psychological characteristics of students, accompanying their participation in the classes. Ten criteria are emphasized to consider student engagement in such aspects as activity, cognitive, volitional, motivational and evaluative, emotional, social, reflexive background. 119,644 students aged 16.5 ± 0.7 took part in the study (115,055 students without special needs in physical education caused by health problems and 4,589 students with special needs and restrictions in physical activity). The results have shown that, although the students without special needs and those with special needs are significantly different, in general no more than 35.9% respondents attended all the Physical Training classes, only about a half of them are completely satisfied with these classes, and none of them have all the knowledge and skills required by the educational program. Numerous deficiencies in program content, educational environment and teaching methodology hinder student engagement in classes. There is a correlation between satisfaction with classes and the components of student engagement (positive emotional background during the lessons, the attractiveness of the activities performed, the schedule convenience, school sports facilities, etc.). The research revealed factors that influence student engagement and proves that appropriate conditions for Physical Training should be created at school, and activities at the lessons should meet students’ interests and abilities.