Improving moral competence in adolescents through non-linear pedagogy in the context of physical education and sport.

Background: The development of moral competence seems to be an important factor in the context of youth development. The problem with lack of moral competence among youth has often been observed. Physical education (PE) as a subject in school seems to provide space in the curriculum where moral development can and should be experienced and practiced.

Methods: The participants were high school students (N.=235), divided into 4 groups: two experimental and two control groups. The difference between the experimental groups was the frequency of the experiment. The first group carried out two units a week for one semester, and the second group one lesson unit throughout the school year. As a research tool the Moral Competence Test was used.

Results: The results indicate statistically significant positive changes between the score of Community Index (C-Index) in pretest and post-test for both experimental group (P<0.05; η²=0.04), and between pretest and follow-up in second experimental group (P<0.05; η²=0.05). Whereas in the control groups, there were no significant changes in the comparison of terms (pretest, post-test, follow-up) (P>0.05).

Conclusions: Based on the study, it can be determined that the curriculum of physical education, based on the model of non-linear pedagogy, can increase the level of moral competence among young people.