Tackling physical inequalities and increasing pupils’ motivation in PE: An overview of the Belgian implementation of the Oblomov method

Levels of physical fitness, motor skills and/or body image can influence dramatically pupils’ motivation towards physical activity. Moreover, a lack of movement towards the development of youths’ physical literacy that contributes to their involvement in an active lifestyle. This vicious circle is sometimes reinforced in PE/sports settings when the learning goals and tasks proposed to the children do not correspond to their capabilities and personal resources. Individualized approaches are recommended but teachers experience at present many difficulties to implement it. Integrating short periods of High Intensity Intermittent Training (HIIT) in theatre open scenarios represents an original approach to motivate youths who are not at ease with physical activities. The foundations of this approach refer to the motivational power of playful situations and the imaginary of the pre-adolescents. It is the core of an Erasmus+ project called OBLOMOV (https://www.oblomovproject.eu/). In Liege, two studies have been conducted to analyze youths’ reactions to the scenarios that have been elaborated: (1) an unit of 10 PE lessons with 8 classes of 5th-6th graders; (2) a series of 3 afternoons proposed to overweight primary school children by the university obesity clinic. Findings confirm the potential impact of the methodology respecting the PAMIA principles (Pleasure, Achievement, Movement, Interaction, and Autonomy). Physical educators should integrate it more often in their lessons.