Teaching styles, motor performances and physical self-efficacy in primary school children

The aim of this study is to compare the motor performance levels, physical self-efficacy and physical activity levels of children, who took part in motor activity programs characterized by different teaching styles. Participants (66 children) have been divided into two groups: GC (M n = 14; age: M ± ds = 9.44 ± 0.62; F: 18; age: M ± ds = 9.43 ± 0.76) and GS (M: n= 14; age: M ± ds = 8.86 ± 0.66; F: n= 20; age 9.55 ± 0.60), attending a primary school participating in the national experimental project «Alfabetizzazione motoria» [Coni-Miur], in Apulia region. GS children attended 24 lessons, where motor activities prevailed (more than 50% of the lesson) through production styles. The motor activities of the experimental group have been proposed, mainly through the teaching styles of production: Guided discovery; Divergent discovery; Learner-designed individual program. Operational areas: activities with tools, group games, drama activities. Conclusions. Proposing to carry out physical activities mainly through teaching styles of production encourages the development of motor coordination, the acquiring of a wide range of motor abilities and the self-efficacy perceived. The study showed an improvement (EG T0 vs T1) in motor coordination test and in self-reports of physical self-efficacy and physical activity levels. In the study, motor tasks mainly unstructured led to dominant effects on motor coordination and physical self-efficacy. Styles of teaching variables and personalized motors tasks mediate the learning of motor skills and the development of psycho-emotional factors. Physical education in schools encourage the motor learning and development of physical self-efficacy, through a circular process that takes a significant predictive value. The didactics interventions should be offered to children through teaching styles (reproduction and production styles) to promote different ways of learning, the development of motor abilities, increase the level of physical self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation and the habit of moving in the ages later.