MOTIVATION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN THEIR FREE TIME

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine whether and to what extent the socio-pedagogical characteristics of upper elementary school students contribute to their level of motivation for physical education in their free time. The defined sociopedagogical characteristics of students include gender, the grade they are in, school performance, and students' involvement in extracurricular sports activities. The population consists of students from the "Branko Copić" Elementary School in Prnjavor (Republica Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The sample comprises a total of 133 students, including 45 (33.80%) fifth-grade students, 42 (31.60%) seventhgrade students, and 46 (34.60%) ninth-grade students. To achieve this, a quantitative research approach was carried out. The defined research objectives represent fundamental components of the problem and the subject of the study. In the research, a self-created five-point Likert scale: "Students' Attitudes towards Physical Education in Their Free Time" was applied to assess the students' motivation for physical education in their free time. The reliability analysis yielded a satisfactory level of reliability with α=0.92. Using the survey questionnaire "Student Survey," information about the socio-pedagogical characteristics of the respondents was obtained, as well as how students spend their free time and the time intervals they have available for leisure activities during the day. The results indicate that the motivation of elementary school students for physical education is weak. A mild level of motivation for physical education is observed only in very good students.