Do pedagogical models alone have the same impact as integrating need-supportive strategies? An intervention study in secondary physical education

Interventions based on pedagogical models have been shown to improve various motivational variables in physical education (PE) students, but to date, need-supportive strategies grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) have not been implemented alongside these models to explore their potential added benefits. This study examines the effect of an educational project based on hybridizing the pedagogical models Sport Education (SE) and Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) with need-supportive strategies on PE students. The quasi-experimental design included 151 secondary PE students ( M age = 13.75, SD age = 0.81, 71 girls and 80 boys), divided into a control group (four classes; n = 74, 33 girls and 41 boys), receiving the SE/TGfU hybridization alone, and an experimental group (four classes; n = 77, 38 girls and 39 boys), receiving the SE/TGfU hybridization alongside need-supportive strategies. These strategies focused on fostering autonomy, competence, relatedness, and novelty. The intervention, conducted over 11 weeks, included 22 PE lessons. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance assessed effects on motivational processes (need support/thwarting, need satisfaction/frustration, and types of motivation), and cognitive (perceived learning), behavioral (engagement and physical activity intentions), and affective (self-esteem) outcomes. Both groups improved significantly in need support, need satisfaction, perceived learning, and reduced need frustration. Moreover, the experimental group showed greater increases in autonomous motivation, emotional engagement, self-esteem, and physical activity intentions, alongside larger decreases in need frustration and amotivation. The combined intervention generated additional benefits compared to the exclusive use of the SE/TGfU hybridization, suggesting that integrating need-supportive strategies can enhance students’ educational outcomes in PE.