Comparison of secondary school students' attitudes towards physical education and sports course and their motor development levels

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between secondary school students' attitudes towards physical education and sports courses and certain motor development performance characteristics. Material and Method: The study was conducted using the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The study group consisted of a total of 384 secondary school students, including 196 females and 188 males, studying in public schools in the Battalgazi district of Malatya during the 2025–2026 academic year. The Personal Information Form and the "Physical Education Course Attitude Scale for Secondary School Students" developed by Güllü and Güçlü (2009) were used as data collection tools. In order to determine the students' motor development performance levels, the Flamingo Balance Test, Sit-and-Reach Flexibility Test, Nelson Hand Reaction Test, 10×5 Meter Agility Test, and Back-Leg Dynamometer Test were administered. The data were analyzed using the analysis software; Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analysis were employed in the data analysis process. Results: It was determined that students who participated in physical activity and those who were licensed athletes in sports clubs had higher attitude scores towards physical education and sports courses. Students who regularly participated in physical activity demonstrated better agility, strength, balance, and flexibility performances. Furthermore, significant relationships were found between attitude scores towards physical education and sports courses and balance, flexibility, and agility performances. Significant differences were also identified in attitude scores and some motor development performance measurements according to age. Conclusion: It was concluded that positive attitudes towards physical education and sports courses may positively affect students' motor development performance levels. Therefore, it is recommended to encourage students to participate in regular physical activity, increase their involvement in sports activities, and support their active participation in physical education classes. Keywords: Attitude, Motor Development Characteristics, Motor Skills, Physical Education, Secondary School