Analytical Study on the Development of Pupils’ Autonomy Through Sports Activities

Abstract

Sports activities are a particularly effective educational tool for the development of students’ autonomy. Through their active involvement in sport, pupils acquire fundamental skills and values in order to become responsible, confident and independent individuals, able to manage their resources and cope with everyday challenges. Sport thus contributes significantly to building a strong and balanced character, essential for success in life. Pupils' autonomy can be effectively developed through sporting activities, which represent a complex and dynamic educational context that supports the development of key competences. The research aims to investigate how participation in sports activities contributes to the development of pupils' autonomy, by analysing their influence on factors such as: decision-making ability; responsibility; time management; self-motivation; development of self-confidence and teamwork skills. Through this analytical study, we aim to monitor and demonstrate that sport can serve as an effective educational tool for the formation of essential competences for the personal and social development of pupils, preparing them for life. The tools used in the research were: questionnaires administered to pupils to assess their level of personal autonomy (e.g. ability to plan their sport activities, decision-making); semi-structured interviews with teachers/coaches on different sport events; direct observations during sport activities. It has been determined that through active involvement in sports activities, students become more capable of facing challenges, making conscious, balanced, responsible and responsible decisions, being autonomous and prepared for success in all aspects of life