Ten Practical Strategies to Motivate Students in Physical Education: Psychological Need-Support Approach

Abstract

Self-determination theory postulates that student motivation can be enhanced by supporting physical education students’ basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Physical education teachers are in a unique position to motivate and help their students to achieve the best possible outcomes in physical education. First, this article provides a short summary of the history and impact of need-supportive instruction on physical education students’ learning experiences and outcomes. Second, 10 evidence-based and most impactful need-supportive instructional strategies are introduced. Finally, need-supportive strategies are discussed as it relates to schools of today.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mika Manninen

Mika Manninen ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University in Dublin, Ireland.

Sami Yli-Piipari

Sami Yli-Piipari is an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.