Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning for Education
Articles

The Effect of Game-Based Learning on Students’ Physical Fitness and Motivation in Elementary Physical Education Classes

Robert Tetikay
Universitas Kristen Artha Wacana

Published 2025-11-01

Keywords

  • Game-based learning,
  • Physical Fitness,
  • Learning Motivation,
  • Elementary Education,
  • Physical Education

How to Cite

The Effect of Game-Based Learning on Students’ Physical Fitness and Motivation in Elementary Physical Education Classes. (2025). Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning for Education, 1(1), 1-7. https://e-journal.berrymediaresearc.com/ijtle/article/view/2

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of game-based learning on students’ physical fitness and learning motivation in elementary physical education classes in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group involving 60 fifth-grade students from SD Negeri 3 Kupang. The experimental group participated in physical education lessons designed through various game-based activities such as relay games, modified traditional games, and cooperative challenges, while the control group received conventional instruction. Data were collected through standardized physical fitness tests and a motivation scale adapted from the Physical Education Motivation Questionnaire. The results showed a significant improvement in both physical fitness scores and learning motivation in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Students expressed higher enjoyment, engagement, and active participation during the learning process. The findings suggest that game-based learning provides an effective pedagogical approach to enhancing physical, cognitive, and affective outcomes in elementary physical education. It is recommended that teachers in similar contexts adopt game-oriented strategies to create more dynamic and inclusive learning environments for young learners.

References

  1. Arifin, M., & Sudarmiatin, S. (2022). Penerapan model permainan tradisional dalam meningkatkan kebugaran jasmani siswa sekolah dasar. Jurnal Pendidikan Jasmani Indonesia, 18(1), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpji.v18i1.38475
  2. BMC Public Health. (2024). The impact of game-based interventions on student physical activity and motivation: A meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-16908-1
  3. Cohen, J. (1992). A power primer. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 155–159. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155
  4. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  5. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
  6. Fernández-Espínola, C., Almagro, B. J., Tamayo-Fajardo, J. A., & Sáenz-López, P. (2020). Complementing the Self-Determination Theory with the Need for Novelty: A longitudinal investigation in physical education. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1535. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01535
  7. GoProSport Blog. (2023). Gamifying physical education: How game-based learning sparks fun and meaningful engagement. Retrieved from https://blog.gophersport.com/gamifying-physical-education-how-game-based-learning-sparks-fun-and-meaningful-engagement/
  8. Hidayat, R., Wibowo, S., & Ramadhan, M. (2023). Pengaruh pembelajaran berbasis permainan terhadap motivasi dan keterampilan motorik siswa sekolah dasar. Jurnal Ilmu Keolahragaan dan Pendidikan Jasmani, 12(2), 110–120. https://doi.org/10.21009/jikpj.v12i2.56782
  9. Kemendikbud. (2019). Panduan Tes Kebugaran Jasmani Indonesia untuk Sekolah Dasar. Direktorat Pembinaan SD, Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, Jakarta.
  10. Krochmal, P., Fahlman, M. M., & Alpert, P. T. (2021). U.S. school-based physical fitness assessments and data reporting practices: A national survey. Children, 8(10), 904. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8100904
  11. Llanos-Muñoz, R., Vaquero-Solís, M., López-Gajardo, M. Á., Sánchez-Miguel, P. A., Tapia-Serrano, M. Á., & Leo, F. M. (2023). Intervention programme based on Self-Determination Theory to promote extracurricular physical activity through physical education in primary school. Children, 10(3), 504. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030504
  12. Mercan, G., & Varol Selçuk, Z. (2024). Investigating the impact of game-based learning and gamification strategies in physical education: A comprehensive systematic review. Journal of Interdisciplinary Education: Theory & Practice, 6(1), 1–14.
  13. Moreno, J. A., González-Cutre, D., & Sicilia, Á. (2010). Motivation and performance in physical education: An experimental study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 9(1), 79–87.
  14. Ponce, H., Pérez, D., & Martínez, J. (2023). Gamification and motivation in adolescents: Systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1575104. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1575104
  15. Rodríguez-Campbell, J., & Pérez-Gómez, A. (2023). Benefits of gamified learning in physical education students: A systematic review. Apunts: Educación Física y Deportes, 153, 34–48. https://doi.org/10.5672/apunts.2014-0983
  16. SHAPE America. (2016). National standards and grade-level outcomes for K–12 physical education. Human Kinetics.
  17. Standage, M., Duda, J. L., & Ntoumanis, N. (2005). A test of self-determination theory in school physical education. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 75(3), 411–433. https://doi.org/10.1348/000709904X22359
  18. Suryani, E., & Prasetyo, W. (2021). Pengaruh model pembelajaran berbasis permainan terhadap motivasi belajar PJOK siswa sekolah dasar. Jurnal Keolahragaan, 9(2), 130–140. https://doi.org/10.21831/jk.v9i2.40125
  19. White, R. L., Bennie, A., Vasconcellos, D., Cinelli, R., Hilland, T., Owen, K. B., & Lonsdale, C. (2021). Self-Determination Theory in physical education: A qualitative review. Journal of Educational Psychology, 113(8), 1626–1643. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000639
  20. World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191–2194. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053