A study of the effect of improved motor ability on academic achievement of third grade underachievers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of improved motor ability on academic achievement of third grade underachievers. Through the development of the study, the following sub problems were to be effected 1.) To determine the initial status of academic achievement of the sixteen third grade underachievers. 2.) To determine the initial status of motor ability of the sixteen selected third grade underachieving girls. 3.) To select and administer the instructional program of selected motor activities. 4.) To compare the status of each participant on a pre- and post-experimental basis. Methods: The procedures employed to obtain data for the study were as follows: (1) Use of teacher evaluation sheets: (2) Interviews with third grade teachers at Huntsville Elementary School, Huntsville, Texas; (3) administration of the Stanford Achievement Test on a pre- and post-experimental basis; (4) administration of the Brace Scale of Motor Ability Tests on a pre- and post- experimental basis; (5) development of case studies for the experimental group; (6) administration of the instructional program to the experimental group; and (7) analyses of the case studies on a pre- and post- experimental basis. The obtained data were coded, computed and analyzed for interpretation and treatment of the findings. Findings: The data obtained from the study of sixteen third grade underachievers yielded the following conclusions: 1.) The samples were homogenous according to intelligence quotients. 2.) The improvement of general motor ability tends to have an insignificant effect on academic achievement. 3.) There is a significant improvement in general motor ability as a result of participation in intensified motor experience. 4.) There is no significant relationship between motor ability and academic achievement of third grade underachievers. 5.) The participation in physical activity classes tends to produce favorable behavioral changes in participants.