Enhancing physical fitness and social skills through innovative Physical Education learning approaches and motor skills in elementary school students

Authors

  • Cahyo Wibowo Satya Wacana Christian University
  • Dennys Christovel Dese Satya Wacana Christian University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0168-3486
  • Atika Tri Novianti Satya Wacana Christian University
  • Muarif Arhas Putra Pasir Pengaraian University
  • Jeff Agung Perdana University of Palangka Raya
  • Arief Nur Wahyudi University of Palangka Raya
  • Fahrul Razzi University of Palangka Raya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.111785

Keywords:

Physical fitness, social skills, learning approaches, motor skills

Abstract

Introduction: Physical education plays an important role in developing elementary school students' physical fitness and social skills. However, the effectiveness of physical education approaches varies.

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of Innovative Physical Education and Motor Skills learning approaches on elementary school students' physical fitness and social skills.

Methodology: This study used a 2x2 factorial experimental design with 100 elementary school students aged 11-12. Four experimental groups received interventions through motor skill training and game-based activities. The instruments used included social skill questionnaires and physical fitness measurements. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests.

Results: The findings showed that both approaches, motor skill training, and games, significantly improved students' physical fitness and social skills with a Sig value (<0.05). Group A1B1 showed a more significant increase in physical fitness and social skills than the other groups.

Discussion: The movement training and games approach effectively improves primary school students' physical fitness and social skills, although some studies suggest social development requires more intensive interaction.

Conclusions: This study concluded that motor training and game-based approaches effectively improved elementary school students' physical fitness and social skills.

Author Biographies

  • Dennys Christovel Dese, Satya Wacana Christian University

    Dennys christovel Dese is a physical education lecturer.

  • Atika Tri Novianti, Satya Wacana Christian University

    Atika is a final year student of the physical education, health and recreation study program.

  • Muarif Arhas Putra, Pasir Pengaraian University

    Muarif Arhas Putra is a physical education lecturer.

  • Jeff Agung Perdana, University of Palangka Raya

    Jeff agung perdana is a lecturer in the education study program.

  • Arief Nur Wahyudi, University of Palangka Raya

    Arief is a lecturer in the physical education study program

  • Fahrul Razzi, University of Palangka Raya

    Fahrul is a lecturer in the physical education study program.

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Published

07/15/2025

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Wibowo, C., Dese, D. C., Novianti, A. T., Putra, M. A., Perdana, J. A., Wahyudi, A. N., & Razzi, F. (2025). Enhancing physical fitness and social skills through innovative Physical Education learning approaches and motor skills in elementary school students. Retos, 70, 850-858. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.111785