Motivation in Sports and Physical Education

The course presents central motivational theories in order to explain motivation for physical activity in general, and motivation for sport and physical education in particular. Central theories include Self-Determination theory, Achievement Goal Theory, and Self-Efficacy. The most common psychometric measures of each theory will also be presented. Explaining motivation as a dynamical process, and how it is related to behavioural change, is of central importance. The course covers both athlete/student-motivation and coach/teacher-motivation.

Knowledge goals:

• Students shall have knowledge about central motivational theories concerning physical activity, sport and physical education, including psychometric measures.

Skill goals:

• Students shall be able to discuss how to understand goal directed behaviour within physical activity in light of motivational theory.

Lectures 2 hours pr. week and seminars 2 hours pr. week.