Arab Educational Information Network

This study investigates the effect of active learning on swimming skills acquisition and development of learning motivation for novice children aged (8-10) years. The subjects were (42) child, they were divided into two groups: experimental group (n=20) taught by active learning method, control group (n=22) taught by the traditional method, both groups underwent swimming skills practical tests (trading deep water as long as possible, slide in a horizontal position for a distance, legs kick while holding a swimming board, technical performance of freestyle swimming) and both groups completed the learning motivation Questionnaire at the beginning of the study as a pre-test, and they did the same at the end of the study as a post-test. After (8) weeks teaching program, statistical analysis (SPSS) packages included t-Test for mean at pre and post test for the two groups, and t-Test for mean at post test in the two groups were done. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in post test between the two groups in all variables in favor of the experimental group except the slide in a horizontal position test. The researchers recommended to use the active learning in teaching swimming for children more frequently for its good impact on the acquisition of swimming skills and developing their motivation towards learning. (Published abstract)