Impact of a Sports-Based Youth Development Program on Students' Psychomotor Development: A Mixed-Method Examination

• In Event: Student Learning in Physical Education and Physical Activity

Abstract

Sports-based Youth Development (SBYD) programs have been connected to a number of psychomotor, cognitive, and affective benefits for students. However, studies focusing on students’ psychomotor development in SBYD programs are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ psychomotor development in an SBYD program. The study employed a mixed-methods approach grounded in concurrent triangulation design. Data were collected over 28 weeks with seventeen students (n=17) from low-income families. The study found a statistically significant improvement in the students’ psychomotor development, including physical activity level and soccer skills. Three qualitative themes added further support and interpretations for the statistical results: practicing faster, harder, and quicker, learning together as a team, and taking time to talk it out.

Authors

• Yanhua Shen, University of Virginia's College at Wise

• Ben Dyson, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Donal Howley, Towson University

• Seunghyun Baek, SUNY - College at Cortland

• Yongjin Lee, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Fan Zhang, University of Kentucky