The Effectiveness Of Teaching Indigenous And Local Games On The Development Of Cultural And Sports Dimensions In Secondary Schools

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 PhD Student, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran. Box: 14665-889

4 PhD Student, Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

5 PhD student, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract
Native and traditional games, as cultural and social heritage, play an important role in strengthening cultural identity, social solidarity and improving individual skills. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of teaching native games on the development of cultural and sports dimensions in secondary schools in Ardabil city.
The study was conducted in a quasi-experimental manner with a pre-test and post-test design. 30 healthy students aged 12 to 18 were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (15 people each). The data collection tool was a questionnaire to assess cultural development, the reliability of which was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha of 0.84. The experimental group experienced two 60-minute sessions of selected traditional games every week for eight weeks. Statistical analyses including independent t-test, covariance and Shapiro-Wilk test were performed using SPSS26 software. The results showed that the effect of time on cultural and sports development was significant, but the effect of group and the interaction of time × group were not significant. The findings showed that indigenous games can enhance cultural development, especially in creating a sense of identity and cooperation among students. As a result, traditional games were recognized as an effective tool for transmitting values, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting social identity. It is suggested that these games be integrated into school curricula, trained teachers, and organized in local festivals.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 September 2025

  • Receive Date 28 January 2025
  • Revise Date 02 July 2025
  • Accept Date 22 August 2025