Enhancing fundamental movement skills: Understanding student voices

Purpose: Framed in self-determination theory, the aim of this study was to explore students' perceptions of learning in a fundamental movement skills (FMS)-focused physical education program that incorporated student voice. Methods: Participants included 13 females attending a designated disadvantaged post primary school (13-14 years old). Qualitative data consisted of pre- and postfocus group interviews, participant drawings, and researcher reflections. Quantitative data included a pre- and postanalysis of five FMS (running, catching, throwing, kicking, and vertical jump). Results: Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in four overarching themes: learning new skills, presumptions, importance of peer learning, and FMS proficiency leading to improved participation. Analysis of quantitative data illustrated statistically significant improvement in mean score for kicking, running (p ≤.001), throwing, vertical jump, and catch (p ≤.05). Discussion/Conclusion: This study advocates for the incorporation of student voice to enhance autonomy, relatedness, and competence when creating a program aimed at developing adolescents' FMS.