A short german physical-self-concept questionaire for elementary school children (PSCQ-C): Factorial validity and measurement invariance across gender.

in Journal of Sport Sciences (2016)

Research on children’s physical self-concept (PSC) is increasingly recognised as an important field ofpsychology. However, there is a lack of instruments suitable for younger children at elementary school ... [more ▼]

Research on children’s physical self-concept (PSC) is increasingly recognised as an important field ofpsychology. However, there is a lack of instruments suitable for younger children at elementary school age. In the present study, a short German 21-item Physical Self-Concept-Questionnaire for children (PSCQ-C) was tested measuring seven specific facets of elementary school children’s PSC (strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, coordination, physical appearance, global sport competence). A number of 770 elementary school children aged 8–12 years completed the PSCQ-C. Results showed good psychometric properties and high reliabilities of the seven scales. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the presumed 7-factor model fitted the data best compared to a global 1- and 2-factor model. Also, full measurement invariance was strongly established. Correlations among the seven scales were mainly moderate. Gender differences were suggestive of developmental trends that are consistent with prior studies. These results provide support that the PSCQ-C is a confidential instrument with sound psychometric properties measuring seven specific facets of elementary school children’s PSC. [less ▲]

Observational learning of a new motor skill: The effect of observing different model demonstrations

in International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching (2016), 11(4), 514-522

A central question in observational learning is which information is picked-up by the observers from a demonstration. Visual perception perspective suggested that relative motion information, such as ... [more ▼]

A central question in observational learning is which information is picked-up by the observers from a demonstration. Visual perception perspective suggested that relative motion information, such as those are highlighted in point-light or stick-figure demonstrations, is extracted and used for reproducing the modeled action. This study was designed to examine this assumption by using a Baseball-pitch as to-be-learnt motor task. Forty one novice female and male adults were randomly assigned to three demonstration groups (video, stick-figure, and point-light) and a control group. Participants performed 5 trials in pretest, three blocks of 10 trial in acquisition phase, and two retention tests of 5 trials in 10 min and 7 days after last acquisition block. Intra- and inter-limb coordination patterns and movement time were measured at level of overall movement and individual movement phases as dependent variables. Results show that participants improved their coordination performance from pretest to acquisition blocks and retention tests, however, regardless of model observation. No significant difference was observed between groups in two retention tests. Analysis of movement phases showed a significant improvement in stride phase from pretest to acquisition blocks. Results are interpreted in terms of theoretical and methodological backgrounds. Further perspectives in research on observational learning are presented. [less ▲]

12th FIEP European Congress 2017

Diverse speeches and writings (2016)

Congress title: “Changes in Childhood and Adolescence: Current Challenges for Physical Education”

Physical self-concept and physical activity enjoyment in elementary school children

in Early Child Development and Care (2016)

The present study examined gender differences and relationships of seven specific domains of physical self-concept (PSC) (Strength, Endurance, Speed, Flexibility, Coordination, Global Sport Competence ... [more ▼]

The present study examined gender differences and relationships of seven specific domains of physical self-concept (PSC) (Strength, Endurance, Speed, Flexibility, Coordination, Global Sport Competence, and Appearance) and physical activity enjoyment (PAE) in 447 elementary school children by self-report questionnaires. Boys reported higher self-concepts of Strength, Endurance, Speed, Coordination, and Global Sport Competence than girls. Conversely, girls showed higher self-concepts of Flexibility than boys. Moreover, all seven specific domains of children's PSC and PAE were positively interrelated and children's self-concepts of Endurance and Global Sport Competence predicted their PAE. Implications for physical education targeting to enhance children's PSC and PAE are discussed. [less ▲]

A review of the assessment of basic motor qualifications and competencies in school

in International Journal of Physical Education (2015), 52(3), 2-13

Development and validation of a test intrument to assess basic motor qualifications in primary school

Poster (2015, July)

Learning movement phases during early stages of learning

Poster (2015, June)

Projekt „Bewegte Schule in Luxemburg“ - Eine Projektskizze

Article for general public (2015)

Motorisches Lernen im Kindes- und Jugendalter

Presentation (2014, December)

Análisis de la evolución del rendimiento motor de ninos y adolescentes en Alemania

in Trances - Revista de Transmissión del Conocimiento Educativo y de la Salud (2014), 6(5), 269-288

The development of motor abilities plays an important role in the general development of children and adolescents. In recent years, several studies have shown that the motor abilities of today’s German ... [more ▼]

The development of motor abilities plays an important role in the general development of children and adolescents. In recent years, several studies have shown that the motor abilities of today’s German children and adolescents are worse than 20 or 30 years ago. In this review, studies dealing with this topic are presented and discussed critically. The literature review then focuses on studies realized in Germany. Results show that a decrease of motor performance is only observed in the late childhood and in the adolescence (older than 10 years). A possible reason might be the more frequently use of media and the change in the leisure time behavior of today’s children and adolescents. [less ▲]