Behaviouristic traditions in the relationship between psychology and pedagogy, with particular consideration of learning and teaching motor skills

Abstract

Aim. In the study, the authors undertook the task of searching for reasons regarding the high impact of behavioural interpretation in behaviourism on theoretical assumptions and practical implications in the field of improving the process of learning and teaching motor (movement) skills. Research questions. 1. To what extent did behavioural interpretation in behaviourism have influence on the formation of the theoretical foundations of didactics and the methodology of learning and teaching motor skills in physical education and in sport? 2. To what extent are the theoretical assumptions and practical implications of contemporary didactics in Poland based on the theoretical foundations of teaching and learning shaped in the 20th century under the influence of behaviourism? Material and methods. The method of document analysis was used in the study. In the research on behaviourism and its influence on the didactics and methodology of physical education and sport, the following were taken into account: monographic studies, which were published by well-known Polish and foreign publishing houses and articles published in scientific journals indexed in reputable databases of scientific periodicals. Results. 1. Analysis of selected documents showed great impact of various paradigms of behavioural interpretation in behaviourism on the dynamics of theoretical foundations and practical implications in terms of learning and teaching motor activities. 2. Despite the recognition of behaviourism in psychology as a historical field, in Poland, it still very clearly reveals itself in sport and physical education within the theory and practice of learning and teaching motor activities. Conclusions. It would be wise to undertake research aimed at estimating the potential of cognitive psychology in the field of modernising the didactic process. 2. There is a need to look for reasons for conservatism in Polish didactics and methodology of learning and teaching motor skills and the basis for justifying necessary reforms in this aspect of school pedagogy and competitive sport.