The effect of learning units based on the competition method in developing some physical qualities (permanence, speed, strength) for middle school students (12-13 years old)
Keywords:
Learning Units; Competition Method; Physical Fitness Components (Endurance; Speed; Strength); Age Group (12–13 Years).Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a competition-based educational program on the development of selected physical fitness components, namely endurance, speed, and power, among second-year middle school students aged 12–13 years. The study also sought to highlight the importance of these fitness components in team sports and to identify the differences between the experimental and control groups. The researcher adopted the experimental method. The study sample consisted of 62 second-year middle school students from Emir Abdelkader Middle School in El Milia during the 2012/2013 academic year. The participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Data were collected using a battery of physical fitness tests designed to measure endurance, speed, and the explosive power of both the upper and lower limbs. The scientific validity, reliability, and objectivity of the tests were verified before implementation. The results revealed no statistically significant differences between the pre-test and post-test measurements of the control group in most of the physical fitness components studied, except for speed. In contrast, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in all the physical fitness components under investigation. Furthermore, significant differences were found between the two groups in the post-test measurements in favor of the experimental group regarding endurance, speed, and explosive power of both the arms and legs. The study concluded that the competition-based educational program is an effective means of improving physical fitness components among middle school students. Therefore, incorporating competitive activities into physical education classes can contribute significantly to the development of students’ physical abilities and overall fitness levels.
