How intrinsically motivating are swimming instructors/lessons in the Netherlands? An observational study through the lens of self-determination theory

Background It is desirable that (more) children continue swimming after having completed their lessons to preserve skills and water safety, as part of an active, healthy lifestyle. This may be encouraged by stirring children's intrinsic motivation for during lessons. However, it currently unknown how intrinsically motivating are in Western countries. Purpose study examined what extent instructors the Netherlands cater basic needs autonomy, competence, relatedness, which, according Self-Determination Theory (SDT), promote motivation. Additionally, whether SDT-based teaching program prompts better meet these needs, program, education experience instructor, group size predict employment SDT Methods A total 128 given equally many were observed rated on a modified version style scale assess relatedness support. The referred four programs, one which was explicitly based SDT. Results Instructors exhibited autonomy-thwarting, weakly competence-supportive, relatedness-supportive behaviors. scored higher provision finding significant autonomy. Teaching only predictor instructors. Conclusion Further improvement catering particularly can achieved deliberately implementing principles into programs swimming.