โก Quick Summary
This study explored the integration of ChatGPT-based digital feedback within the Reciprocal Teaching Style to enhance fundamental handball skills and improve students’ attitudes in a university setting. The results indicated significant improvements in skill acquisition and positive learning-related attitudes among students receiving AI-supported feedback.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Participants: 56 undergraduate students with no prior handball training
- โ๏ธ Methodology: Randomized pre-test-post-test control group design
- ๐ Intervention: Experimental group received ChatGPT-based feedback; control group used peer feedback
- ๐ Duration: 15-session instructional program over one academic semester
- ๐ Assessment Tools: Standardized physical fitness tests, performance checklists, and attitude scales
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ค ChatGPT-based feedback significantly improved handball skills compared to peer feedback.
- ๐ Statistically significant results were found across all assessed skills (p < .001).
- ๐ช Effect sizes ranged from medium to very large (partial ฮทยฒ = .33-.87).
- ๐ฏ High statistical power (โฅ .95) confirmed the robustness of the findings.
- ๐ Positive attitudes towards learning were observed, including increased motivation and enjoyment.
- ๐ Practical implications suggest enhanced feedback quality and instructional efficiency in large-class settings.
- ๐ฉโ๐ซ Human oversight was essential for verifying the accuracy of AI-generated feedback.
๐ Background
The integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education is rapidly evolving, particularly in physical education. While these innovations hold great promise, empirical evidence on their effectiveness, especially in skill-based sports instruction, remains limited. This study aims to bridge that gap by examining the pedagogical use of ChatGPT in enhancing both skill acquisition and student attitudes.
๐๏ธ Study
Conducted with 56 undergraduate students enrolled in a handball course, this study utilized a randomized control design to assess the impact of ChatGPT-based feedback. The experimental group received structured feedback generated by ChatGPT, while the control group relied solely on peer feedback. Both groups participated in a comprehensive 15-session instructional program, allowing for a thorough evaluation of skill development and attitude changes.
๐ Results
The findings revealed that students who received ChatGPT-based feedback outperformed their peers in all assessed handball skills, with results remaining statistically significant even after adjustments. The effect sizes indicated a substantial impact, highlighting the effectiveness of AI-supported feedback in skill acquisition. Additionally, students reported higher levels of motivation, enjoyment, and perceived usefulness of the feedback received.
๐ Impact and Implications
This study’s results suggest that integrating AI technologies like ChatGPT into physical education can significantly enhance both skill acquisition and student engagement. By providing structured, personalized feedback, educators can improve the quality of instruction and foster a more positive learning environment, particularly in large-class settings. This approach not only benefits students but also offers a scalable model for educators looking to leverage technology in their teaching practices.
๐ฎ Conclusion
The integration of ChatGPT-based digital feedback within the Reciprocal Teaching Style presents a promising avenue for enhancing physical education. This study demonstrates the potential of AI to improve technical skill acquisition and foster positive attitudes among students. As we continue to explore the intersection of technology and education, further research is encouraged to refine these methods and expand their application across various educational contexts.
๐ฌ Your comments
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in physical education? Do you believe that technologies like ChatGPT can transform teaching and learning in sports? ๐ฌ Share your insights in the comments below or connect with us on social media:
Digital feedback via free ChatGPT within the reciprocal teaching style: improving fundamental handball skills and students’ attitudes among university beginners.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Digital technologies and artificial intelligence offer new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning processes in physical education. However, empirical evidence on the pedagogical use of ChatGPT-based feedback in skill-based sport instruction remains limited. This study examined the effectiveness of integrating ChatGPT-based digital feedback within the Reciprocal Teaching Style (RTS) to improve fundamental handball skills and students’ attitudes in higher education.
METHODS: A randomized pre-test-post-test control group design was used. Fifty-six undergraduate students enrolled in a third-level university handball course, with no prior formal handball training, were randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving ChatGPT-based digital feedback embedded within Reciprocal Teaching Style or a control group using reciprocal teaching with peer feedback only. Both groups completed a structured 15-session instructional program over one academic semester. ChatGPT was used to generate structured corrective feedback based on predefined performance criteria, with mandatory manual analysis and human supervision to verify feedback accuracy. Data were collected using standardized physical fitness tests, expert-validated performance checklists assessing seven fundamental handball skills, and a students’ attitudes scale. Analysis of covariance was conducted while controlling for pre-test scores.
RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in favor of the experimental group across all assessed handball skills (pโ<โ.001), with medium to very large effect sizes (partial ฮท 2โ=โ.33-.87). All results remained significant after Bonferroni adjustment, and post-hoc power analysis indicated high statistical power (โฅ.95). Students receiving ChatGPT-based feedback demonstrated higher mean scores across cognitive, affective, and behavioral attitude dimensions, including motivation, enjoyment, perceived usefulness, and intention to continue using AI-supported feedback.
CONCLUSION: Integrating ChatGPT-based digital feedback within reciprocal teaching enhances technical skill acquisition and supports favorable learning-related attitudes in university physical education. This approach provides a practical pedagogical model for improving feedback quality and instructional efficiency in skill-based sport courses, particularly in large-class settings, when supported by structured procedures and human oversight.
Author: [‘Rakha AH’]
Journal: Front Sports Act Living
Citation: Rakha AH. Digital feedback via free ChatGPT within the reciprocal teaching style: improving fundamental handball skills and students’ attitudes among university beginners. Digital feedback via free ChatGPT within the reciprocal teaching style: improving fundamental handball skills and students’ attitudes among university beginners. 2026; 8:1772502. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1772502