ATTITUDES AND SELF-EFFICACY OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARD PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES

The purpose of this study was to analyze perceived levels of attitudes and self-efficacy of middle school students toward physical education classes according to some demographic variables, and to determine the relationship between attitudes and self-efficacy. The sample of the study consists of 1657 (820 female and 837 male) students studying at three state middle schools. “The Physical Education Predisposition Scale” was used to collect data. Descriptive statistical methods, t-test, ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparison and Pearson Correlation tests were used in the data analysis. The results of analysis indicated that attitudes of middle school students toward physical education classes were above middle level and selfefficacy perceptions of the students toward physical education classes were high level. While there were no significant differences between attitudes of the participants toward physical education classes according to gender, there were significant differences between self-efficacy according to gender. Also, it is found that attitudes and self-efficacy of students differed significantly according to grade level and gender of physical education teachers. On the other hand, results of the study showed a positive correlations at mid-level between attitudes and self-efficacy of middle school students.