A Pedagogical Understanding of the Self-Determination Theory in Physical Education

Learner motivation is considered an important premise for learning achievement. One of the theories used to explain learner motivation in physical education is the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Different from others, SDT acknowledges the controlling nature of institutionalized education and builds its application around externally imposed regulatory mechanisms to enhance learner motivation. In this article, we review research findings on SDT in physical education and reason for the use of externally regulated motivation approaches as a primary strategy in physical education. We frame our arguments in the constructivist learning theories and argue that using external regulation mechanisms to maximize learner motivation is not inconsistent with the constructivist learning theories. Our pedagogical understanding about satisfying the basic human needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy leads us to believe that the priority should be placed on competence development with relatedness as a pedagogical platform for competence development in physical education.