Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Farzaneh Hatami ¹
• Nima Bigdelomehr, ²
• Gholamreza Lotfi Hosein Abad ³

¹ Associate Professor of Motor Behavior Department, Sport Sciences Faculty, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

² Master's Degree, Motor Behavior, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Associate Professor, Motor Behavior, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: While integrated learning is widely recognized as an effective approach for enhancing student learning and motivation, there's a notable gap in research specifically examining the impact of combining distinct physical activities, such as gymnastics, with specialized subject content like mathematics. Prior studies have largely focused on the general benefits of integrated instruction, often overlooking the precise and purposeful effects of specific physical activities on particular academic subjects. Addressing this research gap, the current study aims to determine the influence of integrating gymnastics exercises with mathematical concepts on the achievement motivation and mathematics learning of male fifth-grade elementary students. Given the critical importance of mathematics in both academic and practical life, and the persistent challenges in fostering deep comprehension and motivation within this subject, this study seeks to propose a novel and effective educational model

Methods: The present study employed an applied, quasi-experimental design utilizing a pre-test/post-test control group methodology. Thirty male fifth-grade elementary students were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, with 15 participants in each. Data were collected using a mathematics achievement motivation questionnaire and a standardized mathematics test, administered to both groups before and after the intervention. The experimental group participated in five one-hour sessions of integrated instruction, which incorporated gymnastics exercises relevant to mathematical concepts, while the control group received their conventional mathematics instruction. The collected data in this research were subsequently analyzed using a one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).

Findings: Results from the one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that the group effect was significant for both achievement motivation and mathematics learning (P≤0.05). This signifies that, after controlling for pre-test scores, there was a statistically significant difference in both mathematics achievement motivation and mathematics learning between the experimental and control groups. A comparison of the adjusted means revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly better performance than the control group in both variables. These findings clearly indicate that the integrated instruction of gymnastics exercises and mathematics had a positive impact on students' achievement motivation and their learning of mathematical concepts.

Conclusion:

The present study unequivocally demonstrates that integrated gymnastics and mathematics instruction significantly enhances students' achievement motivation and mathematics learning. These findings align with broader integrated learning approaches and underscore the critical importance of incorporating targeted physical activities to deepen the comprehension of abstract concepts, such as those found in mathematics. In contrast to previous research that primarily focused on general physical activity integration across various subjects, this study highlights that the purposeful and specific integration of an activity like gymnastics can yield substantial improvements in learning and motivation within a specialized domain like mathematics. In light of these findings, it is recommended that educational policymakers consider incorporating this innovative and effective integrated approach into elementary school curricula. Such integration has the potential to elevate student motivation and optimize learning outcomes. Furthermore, this study can serve as a foundational model for designing and implementing similar integrated educational programs across other subject areas, thereby enriching the overall learning experience.

Keywords

• "؛ achievement motivation"؛ Integrated Education"؛ Gymnastics"؛
• "؛ Math Learning"

Main Subjects

• Educational Technology - Blended Learning