The effect of educational units based on the Thelen and Neil models on learning the skills of spiking and court defense in volleyball for students

This study aims to investigate the impact of using educational units designed according to the "Thelen" and "Neil" models on learning the volleyball skills of spiking and court defense among fourth-grade literary students. The significance of the study stems from the need to modernize teaching methods in physical education, enhancing the student’s role as the central element in the learning process and providing greater opportunities for interaction and hands-on application. The researcher employed an experimental method with two experimental groups (one using the Thelen model and the other the Neil model), each consisting of 16 students (32 students in total). Pre-and post-tests were conducted to measure performance in the targeted skills. The results indicated that both models contributed to improving students' performance in the skills under investigation, with a noticeable advantage for the group that applied the "Neil" model. The researcher attributed this superiority to the model's phases, which focused on mental preparation, dialogue, inquiry, and knowledge-related practical application. These elements helped solidify the skills and achieve mastery learning. The study concluded that integrating such models provides an effective approach for teaching complex motor skills. The researcher recommends adopting modern interactive teaching models in physical education classes and extending this experience to other skills and educational stages.