Effect of a play approach and a conventional approach on the physical fitness and social development of elementary school students

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of a play approach compared to a conventional approach in physical education learning on the physical fitness and social development of elementary school students. The research method used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample was taken by purposive sampling from two public elementary schools with similar characteristics, with a total of 5th grade students as respondents. The instruments used included a Physical Fitness Test that had been adapted for elementary school-aged children and a social skills questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using an independent t-test and a paired sample t-test at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the play approach had a significant effect on students' physical fitness and social development, while the conventional approach did not have a significant effect on both variables. This study emphasizes the importance of implementing game-based learning in physical education to achieve holistic learning objectives.