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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Student motivation and perceived outcomes in undergraduate physical education electives: A study from Keralam, India
Authors
Praveen Thariyan, Dr. Binu George Varghese
Abstract
This research examines
the factors that influence college students' enrollment in an open course in
Physical Education (PE) and their overall perceptions of its effectiveness
after completing it. The sample consisted of 675 students across the four
universities in Keralam, India, who took this elective; the data for this study
were collected through a pre-course survey. The two most frequently given
reasons for taking this elective course were a passion for sports (44.3%) and
the belief that the subject matter would be relevant to them (37.1%). The pre-course
survey indicated that 51.6% of students had high expectations for learning new
health-related concepts. After the course was completed, 99.5% of students
agreed they learned a lot, and 97.8% found the course goals clear. Also
noteworthy was that 90.8% of students would recommend this course to others,
and 95.3% rated their overall experience as "Excellent" or
"Good". Key findings from the analysis of the data suggest that,
while students begin this course with a high level of intrinsic motivation, the
course's success results from well-defined course objectives, relevant course
content at appropriate skill levels, and an overall focus on holistic health.
Based on these findings, it is recommended that a theoretical-practical balance
be maintained in future courses and that lifestyle modification be emphasized
as an essential component. Approval of this recommendation is strongly
supported by student feedback.
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Pages:55-58
How to cite this article:
Praveen Thariyan, Dr. Binu George Varghese "Student motivation and perceived outcomes in undergraduate physical education electives: A study from Keralam, India". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 55-58
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