Abstract des Autors

PURPOSE: Based on the theory of cognitive and motor development, this study examined the mediating role of critical thinking in relation to peer interaction, learning motivation, and motor skill performance. METHODS: Fifth- and sixth- grade students from 23 elementary schools completed measures regarding critical thinking, learning motivation, and peer interaction, and motor skill tests. RESULTS: The findings showed that positive peer relationships and learners’ motivation exhibited facilitative impacts on critical thinking skills, whereas negative peer relationships yielded a debilitating influence. Moreover, critical thinking was found to be a mediating factor among the relationships of learning motivation, peer interaction, and motor Skill Performance. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that physical education teachers should create a supportive learning environment and emphasize positive peer interactions to increase learners’ motivation and critical thinking skills, which in turn can improve students’ motor skill performance.