From literacy to motivation: how physical literacy drives students’ engagement in physical activity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/zpp0qp63Keywords:
physical literacy, motor skills competence, Physical Education, student motivation, health and well-beingAbstract
This study investigated how physical literacy influences students’ engagement in physical activity, focusing on the combined roles of competence, motivation, confidence, knowledge, and lifelong engagement in shaping movement behaviors. Recognizing the decline in student physical activity and the need for effective strategies to promote active lifestyles, the research aimed to determine whether higher levels of physical literacy predict stronger motivation and participation. A quantitative, descriptive–correlational design was employed, with 721 students selected through simple random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data were collected using the validated Physical Literacy Assessment Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with descriptive statistics summarizing literacy and activity levels, and Pearson correlation assessing the strength and direction of their association. Results indicated that students exhibited high physical literacy across all domains, particularly in motivation, confidence, and knowledge, reflecting readiness to engage meaningfully in physical activities. Similarly, most participants demonstrated moderate to high levels of physical activity engagement, suggesting consistent involvement in behaviors supporting health and well-being. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.488, p = 0.001) between physical literacy and activity engagement, confirming that students with stronger literacy are more likely to participate actively in physical activity. These findings underscore the theoretical importance of integrating cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of literacy in understanding student motivation and movement behaviors. Practically, the results highlight the need for educational programs that cultivate all aspects of physical literacy, fostering confidence, competence, knowledge, and sustained engagement. By demonstrating the foundational role of physical literacy in driving active participation, the study provides empirical support for literacy-based approaches in physical education, offering insights for educators and policymakers seeking to promote lifelong physical activity and holistic student well-being.
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