The Effect of a Goal Setting Program for the Improvement of Performance of Children with Mild Mental Retardation during Physical Education Classes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a goal-setting program, organized, during the physical education classes, which aimed to the improvement of physical performance of children with mild mental retardation (MR). The sample was 10 children (M = 9.1 yrs, SD= 1.05), divided inτο two equal groups (experimental and control), with mild mental retardation (MR) attending Special Municipal School in Trikala. The experimental task was shooting in a goal post. After a six weeks intervention program with the application of personal goals, the performance of the experimental group was significantly improved (p<.05), while in the experimental group there were no improvement. The children of experimental group improved their performance and accomplished their goals. Concerning the results, this type of intervention can constitute a motive for the use of different methods to improve motor performance and increase the participation of children with special needs in physical education classes.