Abstract
Purpose: Finding the best teaching method is a current issue of interest to behavioural scientists. This study aims to investigate the effect of teaching games for understanding (TGFU) and linearity on motor proficiency and perceived motor competence in futsal games.
Methods: The study's population included children aged 9-12 years in Ahvaz (Mean age = 10.7, SD = 1.41). Two groups of subjects (20 participants in each group) engaged in futsal skill training using Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) and linear methods. Perceived motor competence was evaluated using the Intrinsic Motivation Questionnaire, and actual motor competence was assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky test. The training sessions lasted for two months, with 16 sessions, each lasting one and a half hours. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test in SPSS version 20 statistical software.
Results: The results of an independent t-test revealed significant differences in motor proficiency (t(1.38) = -3.52, p = 0.00) and perceived motor competence (t (1.38) = -2.44, p = 0.02) between the TGFU and linear groups, with TGFU showing higher effectiveness.
Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching games for understanding (TGFU) methods over linear methods, which can be implemented in schools and kindergartens.