Interactive tasks as a means of theoretical training in physical education of students

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The research background is the challenges faced by Ukrainian educators, such as distance learning, martial law, and the digitalisation of the educational space. The purpose of the research is to determine the influence of interactive tasks in physical education on students’ mastery of the theoretical material through distance learning. Material and Methods. The research involved first-year students (n=245). Students were divided into three groups: experimental group 1 (n=86), experimental group 2 (n=81), control group (n=78). The research was conducted over seven months of the 2022-2023 academic year. At the beginning and end of the research, a survey was conducted to determine interest in the discipline of “physical education”. The essence of the experiment was to provide theoretical information to students using various methods and forms. During the experiment, students’ theoretical preparedness was tested three times (using Google Forms). The research results were processed using licensed Microsoft Excel spreadsheet packages. The relationship between the indicators was established using correlation analysis. The reliability of differences in mean values was assessed by Student’s criterion, and the difference was considered significant at p<0.05. Results. The low level of students’ interest in physical education was established (52%). 19% of students consider the role of physical education to be important for maintaining personal health. There is a close and medium correlation between students’ subjective interest in the discipline “Physical Education” and their opinion about the importance of this discipline for their further professional activity and for maintaining their own health. The results of all theoretical tests in both experimental groups were significantly better than the results of the control group (t=13.479-2.049). The level of interest in physical education among students in both experimental groups increased after the experiment. Conclusions. The use of interactive tasks in physical education classes has a positive effect on the effectiveness of students' studying and mastering of theoretical material. The interactive games increased students’ cognitive motivation, interest in personal health, and responsibility for their own activities to achieve results.