Motivational processes in Sport Education programs among high school students: A systematic review

The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review on the motivational processes in a Sport Education curriculum model among high school-aged students using self-determination theory and achievement goal theory as theoretical frameworks. Literature for analysis was searched through electronic databases including Academic Research Complete, ERIC, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science by entering Sport Education', physical education', and high school' or secondary school' as keywords. Articles for review were then selected using the following criteria: (a) written in English; (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (c) a Sport Education curriculum model implemented in high school settings with three season phases; (d) providing empirical findings; and (e) investigating motivational variables as main outcomes. A total of 18 articles were identified of moderate and high quality based on a quality assessment. A systematic review of the articles resulted in three main findings: (a) self-determination theory and achievement goal theory strongly support the positive motivational influence of Sport Education; (b) Sport Education is relatively consistent in promoting motivational outcomes across genders, grade levels, sports, and motivational profiles; and (c) more research with long-term follow-up data and teacher participants in diverse school settings is needed to examine potential differences in the motivational impact of Sport Education programs.