Expected Key Success Factors Affecting the Achievement of Major Physical Education University Students

Deqi Zeng; Wisute  Tongdecharoen

doi:10.60027/iarj.2025.285267

Authors

Deqi Zeng Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9257-6351
Wisute Tongdecharoen Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5233-7533

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2025.285267

Keywords:

Physical Education, Achievement, Key Success Factor, Delphi Method

Abstract

Background and Aim: Majoring in physical education enhances students' motor skills, physical health, and overall well-being while encouraging self-discipline and teamwork. It also promotes a favorable attitude about living an active lifestyle and has long-term health benefits. The study aims to identify key success factors influencing the achievements of university students majoring in physical education, focusing on improving program outcomes, which would enhance readability and professionalism.

Materials and Methods: This research analyzed various factors affecting students' academic performance through a Delphi evaluation by 17 experts and a questionnaire survey of 154 major physical education university students. In this study, the research focused on the senior students at the School of Physical Education at Guangdong Comprehensive University. The correct total population of senior students in the School of Physical Education is 258. Therefore, the sample size was determined using the Krejci and Morgan Table based on this corrected population size. The final sample consisted of 154 senior students, and questionnaires were distributed to these 154 high-grade students in the physical education program.

Results: The study identified key factors influencing university students' achievements in physical education, categorized into personal, service and environmental, teaching, social and cultural, teacher factors, and academic achievement. Personal factors include attendance, participation, and attitude, which enhance engagement and learning outcomes. Service and environmental factors cover facilities, resources, and support services that improve the overall learning experience. Teaching factors focus on instructional design, assessment, and feedback to align with students' learning needs. Social and cultural factors highlight peer support, cultural influences, and organized sports in shaping students' sports participation. Teacher factors emphasize expertise, teaching methods, and interaction, which foster students' skill development and interest. Academic achievement is driven by performance, motivation, goals, and access to necessary resources for success.

Conclusion: The study identified six key success factors influencing university students' achievements in physical education, comprising 33 indices. These factors include personal (attendance, engagement, attitude, preparation), service and environment (facilities, resources, support services), teaching (instructional design, delivery, assessment, support), social and cultural (social and cultural influences, organized sports), teacher (expertise, approach, support, interaction, influence), and academic achievement (performance, motivation, goals, resources). This research provides insights into improving program effectiveness by addressing these multidimensional factors.

References

Ahmadi, A., Noetel, M., Parker, P., Ryan, R., Ntoumanis, N., Reeve, J., Beauchamp, M., Dicke, T., Yeung, A., Ahmadi, M., Bartholomew, K., Chiu, T.K.F., Curran, T., Erturan, G., Flunger, B., Frederick, C., Froiland, J., González-Cutre, D., Haerens, L., & Lonsdale, C. (2022). A classification system for teachers’ motivational behaviors is recommended in self-determination theory interventions. Journal of Educational Psychology, 115(8), 1158–1176. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000783

Arede, J., Vaz, R., Franceschi, A., Gonzalo-Skok, O., & Leite, N. (2018). Effects of a combined strength and conditioning training program on physical abilities in adolescent male basketball players. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 59(8), 1298-1305.

Bautista, C., Dios, D. A. D., & Lobo, J. (2023). The Nexus between Individual Interest and School Engagement in Bolstering Physical Culture for a Habitual Healthy Régime: A Case of a State University (February 28, 2023). Physical Education of Students, 27(1), 24–35, (2023), https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2023.0104.

Beauchemin, J. (2014). College student-athlete wellness: An integrative outreach model. College Student Journal, 48(2), 268-280.

Beckett (1991). The effects of two teaching styles on college students’ achievement of selected physical education outcomes. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 10(2), 153-169.

Boonsem, A., & Chaoensupmanee, T. (2020). Determining the Factors of Teaching Effectiveness for Physical Education. International Education Studies. 13 (3), 43-50.

Burstein, P. (2023). The impact of public opinion on public policy: A review and an agenda. Political Research Quarterly, 56(1), 29-40.

Chen, J., & LIN, J. (2021). Research on the influencing factors and ways to improve sports performance. Contemporary Sports Science and Technology, 1(11), 216-219.

Cheng, W.-F. (2023). Model Construction of Influencing Factors of Physical Education Core Quality Cultivation Based on Multiple Linear Regression. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences. 8 (2), https://doi.org/10.2478/amns.2023.1.00076

Du, F. (2021). Research on the influencing factors of sports performance in colleges and universities. Contemporary Sports Science and Technology, 11(29), 93-95.

Dudley, D., Mackenzie, E., Bergen, P. V., Cairney, J., & Barnett, R. M. (2022). What Drives Quality Physical Education? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Learning and Development Effects From Physical Education-Based Interventions. Front. Psychol. 13, 799330. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.799330

Dy, M., Espiritu-Santo, K., Ferido, M., & Sanchez, R. (2015). Stressors and stress responses of Filipino college students. Asia Life Sciences, 24(2), 737-759.

Eratlı, Ş.Y., & Şahin, M. (2020). Investigation of factors affecting the achievement of major physical education university students with logistic regression analysis: School of Physical Education and Sport example. Sage Open, 10(1), 2158244020902082.

Firdaus, K., Hartoto, S., Hariyanto, A., Subagya, I., Nikmatullaili, N., Mario, D. T., & Zulbahri, Z. (2023). Evaluation of Several Factors that Affect the Learning Outcomes of Physical Education. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 11(1), 27 - 36. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2023.110104.

Gafurov, I. R., Safiullin, M. R., Akhmetshin, E. M., Gapsalamov, A. R., & Vasilev, V. L. (2020). Change of the Higher Education Paradigm in the Context of Digital Transformation: From Resource Management to Access Control. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(3), 71-85.

Gong, S. (2023). Based on the theory of self-determination, Kunming Junior High School's physical education classroom teaching effect and influencing factors research. Master's degree thesis, Yunnan Normal University.

Gu, Y., Li, N., Li, B., Ruan, X., Li, X., Wang, C., & Chen, X. (2022). Research on influencing factors and intervention strategies for professional women’s participation in leisure sports in my country. Compilation of abstracts of papers from the 12th National Sports Science Conference— Poster exchange (Sports Management Branch)

Huang, R. (2023). The influence of physical education teaching on college students' physical education performance. China Examination, 7, 57-66.

Ji Liu & Ma Dehao. (2019). Reform and development of school sports in my country in the new era. Sports Science, 39(3), 3-12.

Juezan, G. I., & Osorno, R. I. M. (2022). Sports Performance Anxiety and Sports Confidence Among College Athletes: The Moderating Effect of Friendship Quality. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 8(1), 24-62. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v8i1.4170

Labrague, L. J., & De los Santos, J. A. A. (2020). COVID‐19 anxiety among front‐line nurses: Predictive role of organizational support, personal resilience, and social support. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(7), 1653-1661.

Liu, Y., & Pásztor, A. (2022). Effects of problem-based learning instructional intervention on critical thinking in higher education: A meta-analysis. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 45, 101069.

Luo, Q. (2016). Research on influencing factors and countermeasures of college students' sports performance in Hunan Province. Neijiang Science & Technology, 37(07), 87-88.

Margario, B. M. C., Solidarios, J. T., & Bual, J. M. (2022). Learning Environment, Motivation, and Challenges of Junior High Students under Physical Education Modular Instruction. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies 31 (4), 47-59. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2022/v31i430757.

Masrun, M., & Rusdinal, R. (2022). Self-efficacy, learning motivation, learning environment, and their effect on online learning outcomes. Jurnal Kependidikan Penelitian Inovasi Pembelajaran, 6(2), 143-151.

McCreary, C., Miller-Perrin, C., & Trammell, J. (2019). Past sports participation, self-efficacy, goal orientation, and academic achievement among college students. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 24(3), 194–204. https://doi.org/10.24839/2325-7342.JN24.3.194

Pasek, M., Szark-Eckardt, M., Wilk, B., Zuzda, J., Żukowska, H., Opanowska, M., & Kupcewicz, E. (2020). Physical fitness is part of the health and well-being of students participating in physical education lessons indoors and outdoors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 309. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010309.

Peng Bangrong,Ye Ling(2018). Analysis of factors influencing the performance of 400m hurdles in track and field teaching. Sport, 19, 58-59.

Quan, X., & Lu, C. (2020). Peer effects and sex differences in adolescent physical exercise. Journal of Shanghai Institute of Sport, 44(4), 41-49.

Roberts, G. C., & Ommundsen, Y. (1996). Effect of goal orientation on achievement beliefs, cognition, and strategies in team sport. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 6(1), 46-56.

Sbeih, A., & Shibly, F. H. A. (2021). Physical education and its role in improving the health of college students by active participation and optimization by deep learning. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 101628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2021.101628

Sheridan, S. (2019). Paramedic health status, fitness and physical tasks: A review of the literature. Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, 16, 1-7.

Sui, X. (2018). Comparison of the current status of physical education courses in Chinese and American universities. Doctoral dissertation.

Trudeau, F., & Shephard, R. J. (2008). Physical education, school physical activity, school sports, and academic performance. International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 5(1), 1-12.

Wang, H., Guo, H., Feng, S., Jin, Y., Hu, S., & Song Xiaoyu. (2019). Research on the paths to promote physical exercise from the perspective of social ecology. Journal of Hebei Agricultural University (Social Science Edition), 21(2), 116-121.

Wang, J., & Yu, C. (2007). Survey and analysis on physical exercise attitude, sports investment, and life quality of some college students in Zhejiang Province. Doctoral dissertation.

Yang, C., & Bie, Y. (2022). Analysis of influencing factors of basketball special candidates in Guangdong Province Sports College Entrance Examination. Engineering Technology Research,7(22), 153-156.)

Zanevskyy, I., & Zanevska, L. (2021). Academic and sports achievements of the physical culture and sports major physical education university students. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 25(3), 165-171.

Zhang Yunliang, Liu Jiankun & He Xiaobin. (2021). The impact of physical exercise on adolescents’ academic performance and its mediating mechanism - an empirical analysis based on the China Education Tracking Survey. Journal of Shanghai Institute of Physical Education. 1, 29-39.

Zhang, H. (2006). The current situation and root causes of utilitarianism in academic evaluation in colleges and universities. Coal Higher Education, 24(5), 18-20.

Zhang, T., Solomon, M. A., & Gu, X. (2012). The role of teachers’ support in predicting students’ motivation and achievement outcomes in physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 31(4), 329-343.