Opportunities to Better Engage Students in PE

Provide opportunities for self-directed learning

Students are more motivated when they have a say in what they are learning and can set personal goals that are meaningful to them. In PE, this might mean allowing students to choose which sport or exercise they want to focus on, or letting them define their own activity-specific targets. Teachers can also request student input on which exercises or activities they'd like to try, rotating through new options on a weekly basis. Online exercise classes are still a great way to give activities like yoga or dance aerobics a try, and greater autonomy over the types of activities they do can keep students more motivated and engaged.

Have high yet attainable expectations

Research shows that teachers' expectations of their students have a significant impact on student achievement (APA). When teachers believe that a student can succeed, they tend to provide more support, more detailed and supportive feedback, and more encouragement — all of which contribute to better outcomes. This applies in PE just as much as in any other class. Rather than setting the bar low for less athletic students, teachers should set high yet realistic expectations for every student, tailoring individual goals so that each student is challenged appropriately and supported in reaching their potential.

Choose less motivated students as team captains

It's common for the most athletically gifted or naturally enthusiastic students to be chosen as team captains during PE activities. However, assigning a leadership role to a less motivated student can have a surprisingly positive effect. When a reluctant participant is given responsibility for their team, it can boost their self-esteem and give them a greater sense of ownership over the activity. The desire to lead their team well can foster genuine engagement and participation, and the social connections formed through team pride can make PE a more enjoyable experience overall.