THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EXPLORATION-ENHANCED MOTOR GAMES PROGRAM IN DEVELOPING CERTAIN MOTOR ABILITIES AND KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ALGERIA

Abstract

This study is aimed at examining the effectiveness of using exploration-enhanced motor games in developing balance, motor coordination, and kinesthetic intelligence among male middle school students aged 12 to 14 years. The researcher hypothesized that adopting exploratory motor games would positively contribute to the development of balance, motor coordination, and kinesthetic intelligence among middle school students.

The study adopted an experimental design and included a sample of 48 students, who were divided into two equal groups: a control group and an experimental group. The homogeneity and equivalence of the two groups were verified, and the participants were randomly selected. The statistical results of the study revealed significant differences in favor of the experimental group in all tests related to balance, motor coordination, and kinesthetic intelligence. These findings indicate that the use of exploration-enhanced motor games contributes to improving balance and motor coordination, in addition to demonstrating a clear correlational relationship with kinesthetic intelligence among the participants in the experimental group.

Based on the findings of this study, a number of recommendations were made regarding the integration of exploration-enhanced motor games into classroom sessions and school activities; conducting similar field studies using different samples and assessment tools to validate the findings; examining gender differences in the effect of motor games on motor abilities and kinesthetic intelligence; employing active learning strategies that encourage thinking and exploration during motor activities; optimizing the use of available space and resources to maximize students’ engagement and the repetition of motor activities; emphasizing balance, motor coordination, and kinesthetic intelligence within teaching programs and organized children’s activities; promoting exploration-enhanced motor games as enjoyable means for learning motor skills and as a basis for designing more effective educational programs in early developmental stages.