The effects of adolescent high school students' aptitude for physical education classes on their academic success

Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the predisposition to physical education course on the academic achievement of adolescent high school students studying in high schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education. With the data to be obtained from this research, it is aimed to develop modern and up-to-date educational policies and practices and to be an important guide for physical education and sports courses. With the findings obtained, it is aimed to make physical education lessons more effective and to have a positive impact on students' attitudes towards physical education and motivation for academic achievement. Material and Methods: In this study, the survey method was used to describe the attitudes, interests, abilities and behavioral patterns of the research group towards a particular phenomenon or action. The research population of our study consists of 418 students studying at Kepirtepe Anatolian High School in Lüleburgaz District, Kırklareli Province, in the academic year 2022-2023. It was tried to reach the entire population without selecting a sample. 415 of the 418 student population were reached and it was determined that 3 students did not attend school due to family reasons. A demographic information form was prepared by us to determine the demographic characteristics of the individuals participating in the study. In addition, the Physical Education Predisposition Scale (PEPS) consisting of 11 items was used to determine the students' attitudes and self-efficacy towards physical education courses. Within the scope of our research, necessary analyses were conducted to confirm that the scale used was appropriate for our population and met the validity and reliability criteria. Participation in the study was completely voluntary and thus, the participants were included in the study with their free will. The scale application was carried out with the completely voluntary participation of the students, taking into account their course schedules and without any time constraints. During the participants' completion of the scale, the researchers provided one-to-one and meticulous support and guidance. Results: In line with the answers given by the students to our scale, no statistical difference was found in all sub-dimensions with the grade level, but a statistical difference (p<0.05) was found in the demographic characteristics of gender, family economic status, general grade point average, liking physical education course. Conclusion: As a result of our research, students with low academic achievement had a high predisposition to Physical Education and Sports course. On the contrary, it was observed that students with high academic achievement had low attitudes towards the course, motivation and perception of their own bodies. From this point of view, students with low academic achievement can increase their sense of achievement and satisfaction to a level that they cannot achieve in other courses thanks to their success and ability in physical education and sports lessons. In this way, they can also improve their sense of belonging to the school thanks to their predisposition to sports. Keywords: Physical education, puberty, academic success, predisposition, sport