The Effectiveness of the Learning Styles Mapping Strategy in Learning the Performance of the Blocking Skill in Volleyball for Female Students

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the use of the Learning Styles Mapping Strategy in learning the performance of the blocking skill in volleyball for second-year female students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Diyala. It also sought to identify the impact of this strategy on learning the blocking skill among the research sample. The researcher employed the experimental approach with two groups (experimental and control) using pre- and post-tests, as this method is the most suitable for addressing the research problem. The research population was selected intentionally, while the sample was chosen by lottery, where section (Z) represented the experimental group, consisting of 41 students, and section (W) represented the control group, consisting of 43 students for the academic year 2024/2025. Each group included 25 students after excluding failing students, athletes, and those with irregular attendance.

The researcher concluded that the use of the Learning Styles Mapping Strategy significantly contributed to improving the blocking skill among female students. The students were able to perform the movement with greater accuracy and effectiveness. Direct guidance during exercises based on the strategy had a positive impact on enhancing the students' understanding of the technical fundamentals of blocking, which helped them develop more effective defensive strategies.

The study recommends the continuous application of the Learning Styles Mapping Strategy in volleyball training to enhance the learning of defensive skills, especially blocking. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying and correcting errors during practice. Furthermore, the use of immediate feedback during training is crucial to correcting mistakes as they occur, thereby improving learning and motivating students to enhance their performance.