Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education

Yeşim Bulca; Hakan Taş; Irmak Hürmeriç Altunsöz

doi:10.54141/psbd.1747526

Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a physical literacy (PL) course on university students’ perceptions of PL based on Whitehead’s (2010) framework. For the study design, a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design using a convergent parallel approach was used. A total of 52 undergraduate students participated in a seven-week PL course, both theoretical and practical sessions. Quantitative data were collected using the PLAYself instrument and analyzed through descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests. Qualitative data were gathered via a qualitative survey and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. As a result, the findings revealed significant improvements in students’ participation scores in outdoor and playground environments, as well as increased valuation of physical activity within the university context, as indicated by quantitative data. Although self-description scores improved among students, the change in self-description was not statistically significant. As a Thematic analysis’s results, one theme ‘Holistic Development of PL’ with five codes appeared; ‘social engagement and fun’, ‘heightened self-awareness’, ‘integration of knowledge and action’, ‘development of routine’, and ‘connection with the university space’. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that the course fostered both behavioral and cognitive dimensions of PL. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the value of designing university-level PL programs that underscore experiential learning and holistic development, ultimately supporting students’ lifelong engagement in physical activity.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physical Activity and Health

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Yeşim Bulca
0000-0001-9861-4390
Türkiye

Hakan Taş ^*
0000-0001-5154-2086
Türkiye

Irmak Hürmeriç Altunsöz
0000-0002-8570-196X
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

July 16, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

July 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 12, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1747526

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA22DX54LK

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bulca, Y., Taş, H., & Hürmeriç Altunsöz, I. (2026). Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1747526

AMA

1.Bulca Y, Taş H, Hürmeriç Altunsöz I. Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.54141/psbd.1747526

Chicago

Bulca, Yeşim, Hakan Taş, and Irmak Hürmeriç Altunsöz. 2026. “Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1747526.

EndNote

Bulca Y, Taş H, Hürmeriç Altunsöz I (July 1, 2026) Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences Advanced Online Publication

IEEE

[1]Y. Bulca, H. Taş, and I. Hürmeriç Altunsöz, “Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education”, Pamukkale J Sport Sci, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, doi: 10.54141/psbd.1747526.

ISNAD

Bulca, Yeşim - Taş, Hakan - Hürmeriç Altunsöz, Irmak. “Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences. Advanced Online Publication (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1747526.

JAMA

1.Bulca Y, Taş H, Hürmeriç Altunsöz I. Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026. doi:10.54141/psbd.1747526.

MLA

Bulca, Yeşim, et al. “Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, doi:10.54141/psbd.1747526.

Vancouver

1.Yeşim Bulca, Hakan Taş, Irmak Hürmeriç Altunsöz. Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Through Practical Applications in Higher Education. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026 Jul. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.54141/psbd.1747526