Qualitative analysis from the social referents perspective of the multidimensional construct of schoolchildren’s motor competence

Abstract

Motor competence (MC) as a multidimensional construct is influenced by motor, cognitive, emotional and social variables. It is also determined by schoolchildren interacting with their own context. Thus pre-adolescence is a sensitive stage in development when physical, emotional and cognitive changes are manifested. By taking this context in accountn, the perception of the social referents close to schoolchildren allows for a deeper understanding of the role and influence of all these variables in a broader MC concept. For this purpose, a qualitative study was conducted by discussion groups and semistructured interviews, respectively, for teachers and family members in Primary Education. The content analysis was carried out according to the main study dimensions, associated with the motor, cognitive, affective-emotional and social domains. Both family members and teachers point out that the affective-emotional level has a stronger impact on the development of motor skills than the motor level. For children to develop their MC, it is necessary to create appropriate contexts in which family members and teachers are the main agents of influence. In conclusion, assessing MC in the educational sphere must have a more comprehensive and broad approach. It is necessary to bear in mind a larger number of variables involved in schoolchildren’s motor development to make the most objective assessment possible and, likewise, to promote facilitating environments that help their development.