Effect of the sport education model on prosocial behavior in primary education

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of Sport Education on prosocial behaviours in primary school children. A single group pre-experimental study with repeated measures (pre-test and post-test) was designed, in which 45 sixth-grade students (27 girls and 18 boys) participated. The content of instruction consisted in a 15-lesson unit of ringol using the Sport Education. In addition to Sport Education, pedagogical strategies related to communication and conflict solving were used to favour social relations among students. To assess prosocial behaviour subscales of the CCP and BAS-3 questionnaires were used. In addition, participant observation was used to collect information on the process and evolution of student’s relationships. The results showed significant improvements in all subescales of prosocial behaviours analysed: Consideration for others, social reserve, social anxiety-shyness, leadership, empathy and social relations. Likewise, it was observed a decrease in disruptive behaviours, improvements in conflict resolution processes, relationship between students of different sexes and integration of discriminated students. In conclusion, the MED has the potential to be used as a base model for the improvement of the prosocial behaviour of students, especially when pedagogical strategies are added for this purpose.