Background/Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of movement education supported with drama/dance education among primary education student during pre-adolescent and adolescent age on the development of motor skills.
Method 5. and 7. grades students who are classified as pre-adolescent (10 age group) and adolescent age (14 age group) and male and female students were included in the study. Students classified according to age groups and randomly divided into the treatment (n=56) and control (n=58) groups. We used flexibility, dynamic balance, power, speed, coordination, agility parameters as motor skills. Treatment group participated drama and dance practices as a part of physical education class for 20 weeks. Both of groups were subjected to motor skill tests before and after practice period.
Analysis/Results Both 10 and 14 age groups showed a significant development of motor skills from pre- to post tests in all parameters after the 20 weeks period, except 10 years old participants in vertical jump test, and 14 years old participants in balance (M/L) in the control group. Compared with the control group, treatment group showed further development on motor skill tests, except speed test in 14 and 10 years old dynamic balance tests (A/P and M/L). Whereas there was no significant gender x age interaction on coordination, body weight, flexibility, speed, power, agility, and balance scores were found to be significant.
Conclusions It was concluded that there is clear benefit of drama and dance practices in movement education on motor skill development for both pre adolescent and adolescent periods.