This meta-analysis examines the effect of Cooperative Learning (CL) interventions, compared to traditional instructional methods, on students’ learning outcomes across affective, cognitive, physical, and social domains in physical education (PE). The review involved a comprehensive search of 12 databases in English, Spanish, and Turkish, with the last search conducted on June 2nd, 2024. Studies included were true experimental or quasi-experimental designs featuring direct CL interventions in PE, covering students of both genders from primary school to university levels. The standardized Cochrane methods were used to identify eligible records, collect and combine data, and assess the risk of bias. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) v4 software package was used to yield a summary of quantitative results. Hedges’s g was used as the effect size (ES) measure, calculated from pre- and post-tests in both experimental and control groups. Forty-three studies (comprising 60 reports) were initially included, but three studies were excluded as outliers, leaving 40 studies (56 reports) with a total of 3.985 participants for analysis. The random effects model revealed a moderate positive overall effect of CL interventions (ES = 0.459, 95% CI = [0.324, 0.592], p < 0.001), indicating that CL enhances PE students’ learning across four domains. Subgroup analyses showed small to moderate ESs for affective (ES = 0.304), physical (ES = 0.471), cognitive (ES = 0.589), and social learning (ES = 0.612). Risk of bias was evaluated using Begg and Mazumdar’s rank correlation, the classic fail-safe number, and a funnel plot, all indicating a low risk of bias. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). The study was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024532607). This meta-analysis underscores the effectiveness of CL as a student-centered pedagogical model in PE, demonstrating its positive effect on various learning outcomes in the affective, cognitive, physical, and social domains. The findings provide instructive data and strategies for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to integrate, implement, or make context-specific adaptations of CL into educational processes, while ESs in the affective, physical, cognitive, and social learning domains provide domain-based implementation guidance for these stakeholders.

Context: In today’s ever-changing world, fostering personal and social responsibility is essential for building strong and compassionate communities. This study aimed to provide a quantitative synthesis focusing on the emotional and social outcomes of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model-based Physical Education (PE) programs. Methods: A comprehensive literature review covering the period from November 2022 to September 2023 identified 637 articles published between 2005 and 2023. Of these, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Data from these articles were coded, and a comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, incorporating 28 effect sizes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Hedge’s g served as the effect size measure and emotional and social outcomes subgroups were consolidated. Heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochran’s Q and I². Meta-regression and ANOVA-like models addressed categorical moderators, whereas publication bias was assessed through funnel plot, failsafe number, and Egger’s linear regression. Results: A significant and positive effect of the TPSR model on product outcomes (Hedge’s g = 0.337, 95% CI = 0.199 to 0.476) was found. Despite considerable heterogeneity (I² = 83.830), a random effects model was justified. Assessment of publication bias indicated a low likelihood. Moderator analyses revealed that publication countries significantly influenced the effect, with stronger effects in Turkey. Publication type (article vs. thesis) also played roles in moderation. The meta-regression analyses did not reveal significant effects for the grade level, duration of intervention, publication year or sample size on the TPSR model’s impact on product outcomes. The TPSR model positively impacts emotional and social outcomes in PE, enhancing children’ skills and behaviour. However, variations across cultures highlight the need for further research, considering limitations like language constraints and potential biases in study selection and data extraction.

This study explores the relationship between video game engagement and creative thinking among university students in an academic setting. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 university students aged 17–25 years, from various academic disciplines. The sample, predominantly female (57.5%) and aged 22 years (27.5%), provided diverse perspectives on the impact of video games on their academic and creative capabilities. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed significant insights into how video games may enhance creative problem-solving skills and overall creative thinking in an educational context. The study found that a high percentage of participants (47.5%) had a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0, suggesting a potential link between academic performance and video gaming habits. The results highlight the need for further research into specific game genres and their distinct influences on creativity among different demographics. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the cognitive benefits of video games and their potential to foster creative skills in higher education environments.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted travel and scuba diving operations around the world in an unprecedented way. As the impact of the virus spreading and receding from each country evolves, local regulations adapt, creating a patchwork of situations that is hard to stay up to date with. The aim of this study was to bring together safety tips to be followed when pursuing leisure and Recreational SCUBA Diving during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthen divers’ commitment to and interest in the underwater world. An interpretive qualitative methodology was deemed appropriate to achieve the study’s research objectives. A focus group interview was held via a “Google Meet video meeting” with eight participants who were both specialist physicians and diving professionals. The analysis turned up four main themes: (1) High Standards in Diving Services and Diving Gear Hygiene, (2) Diving Trip Safety, (3) Diver Training Safety, (4) Social Change for Social Support. COVID-19 is experienced as a life-changing event that shows a kaleidoscopic view of leisure-adventure limitation. We stress that the conceptualization of limitation must be considered due to its service philosophy and sociopolitical aspirations. Thus, creating conceptual and holistic safety protocols for Recreational SCUBA Diving experience can inspire people to discover their passions, to self-realize, to form trust-based relationships with the outside world its actors.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the addition of a 6-week French Contrast Method (FCM) to routine soccer training affects agility, vertical

By Hulusi Böke and Yalin Aygun, Published on 03/20/24