Course Description
Preparation for students to become leaders in physical activity/education, exercise, and sport as it relates to understanding of motivational processes impacting adoption, engagement, and adherence of physical activities. Best practices in motivation research across physical activity settings and populations are introduced and discussed.
Athena Title
Motivation in Phys Activity
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: 1. understand and interpret scientific literature pertaining to motivation, physical activity, exercise, and sport and to use theoretical and/or empirical research to draw logical conclusions. 2. demonstrate basic knowledge about key content areas of motivation, physical activity, exercise, and sport and be able to apply this knowledge appropriately in real world settings. 3. demonstrate basic knowledge in motivational research to have ability to conduct an independent research project in the area of motivation, physical activity, exercise, and sport. 4. be aware of individual differences among people with regard to motivation, physical activity, exercise, and sport. 5. demonstrate an ability to think and communicate one’s thoughts effectively in oral and written formats. 6. understand and apply ethical principles in one’s every day work (American Psychological Association).
Topical Outline
Topic 1: What is motivation? - definition of motivation and overview of different motivation theories Topic 2: Understanding motivation – focus on need and achievement-oriented approaches Topic 3: Individual differences in motivation Topic 4: Developmental perspective in motivation Topic 5: Instructional strategies to increase participant motivation, performance, and well-being Topic 6: Training the motivator – research and practical implications on physical education teachers, coaches, and instructors Topic 7: Measuring motivation in the physical activity domain Topic 8: Issues conducting “real-world” research studies Topic 9: Designing an independent research study
Syllabus
Public CV