Contributions of recreational activities to cognitive and emotional development in students with diverse educational needs

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118805

Keywords:

Physical Education , emotional competencies, motivational climate, teacher, school motivation

Abstract

Introduction: School Physical Education has progressively incorporated approaches that recognize the relevance of emotional and motivational factors in teaching and learning processes. In this context, teachers’ emotional competencies have become a determining element in the configuration of the classroom motivational climate.

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the influence of Physical Education teachers’ emotional competencies on the classroom motivational climate in educational institutions in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador.

Methodology: The methodology was developed from a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design and a correlational–explanatory scope. The participants were 48 Physical Education teachers and 1,020 students from upper basic education and high school. Two validated instruments were applied: a questionnaire assessing teachers’ emotional competencies and a questionnaire measuring students’ perceptions of the classroom motivational climate.

Results: The results showed high levels of emotional competencies among teachers and a predominantly empowering perception of the classroom motivational climate. Positive and significant relationships were identified between teachers’ emotional competencies and an empowering motivational climate, as well as negative relationships with a demotivating climate.

Discussion: The discussion revealed consistency with previous research highlighting the role of the teacher as a key agent in generating positive motivational environments in Physical Education.

Conclusions: It is concluded that strengthening teachers’ emotional competencies promotes empowering motivational climates and contributes to improving educational quality in school Physical Education.

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Published

01-05-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Hermida Bravo, K. R., Ruperti-Lucero, E., Pinos-Medrano, V., & Andramuño-Cando, J. (2026). Contributions of recreational activities to cognitive and emotional development in students with diverse educational needs. Retos, 78, 667-678. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118805