THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MOTOR ABILITIES AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CASE OF ALAMATA TOWN, SOUTHERN ZONE, TIGRAY REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Sport scientists found thatthere is a positive correlation between motor ability and academic performance in children. The students with considerable success in motor ability showed greater academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between motor ability and academic achievement of secondary school students in Alamata town. The population of the study was secondary school students found in Alamata town. To select the sample student Slovin’s formula was used. At intervals of four weeks (December), 160 student aged 14-18 years were tested in terms of their motor ability (muscular endurance was measured by 900 push up test, flexibility was measured by sit and reach test, and body composition was measured by BMI test) and also the average result of the two semester in 2010E.C was used to their academic achievement found in school registrar. In addition to this, biographic information of the sample students was gathered through questionnaires. The method of this study was descriptive survey. The correlation between student’s motor ability and their academic achievement was represented by a significant direct effect Bi-verate (P-value <+5%). To analyze the quantitative data SPSS V-20 software was used. In separate analyses, all the motor abilities BMI (r=.080),900 push up(r=.390) and sit and reach(r=.499) tests were positively correlated with student’s academic achievement at the p-value of 0.00 which is less than 0.01. The results provide evidence in support on the relationship that links student’s motor abilities outcomes to academic achievement. Not only students but also those who are achieved in the sport arena, should have a clear understanding about inseparability of body with mind, intellectual development with that of physical development and at the end the positive association of academic achievement and motor ability.