Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
The Efficacy of 4A Model in the
Acquisition of Learning in Physical
Education
Añana, Pritch Mae
Macanim, Mae Bill
Mandoc, Allan Jr.
Meliston, Sheena Mae
Neri, Abbygale
Ombina, Cindie
Bukidnon State University
1901101101@student.buksu.edu.ph
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
Context and Rationale
One of the primary tasks of the teachers is to develop an effective lesson plan that will
aid the different educational needs of the students. Lesson plans are an important part of
education in which in elementary, secondary, and tertiary level the teacher designs a lesson
plan in order to meet the educational needs of the students. Planning a lesson is a complex
process. The relationship between the quality of a lesson plan and an effective teachinglearning process is widely acknowledged by researchers and educators (Taskin, 2017).
Teachers may wonder “which way they ought to go” before they enter a classroom.
This usually means that teachers need to plan what they want to do in their classrooms. Most
teachers engage in yearly, term, unit, weekly, and daily lesson planning (Yinger, 1980). A
lesson plan is the instructor’s road map of what students need to learn and how it will be done
effectively during the class time. Before you plan your lesson, you will first need to identify
the learning objectives for the class meeting. Then, you can design appropriate learning
activities and develop strategies to obtain feedback on student learning (Milkova, 2012). The
success with which a teacher conducts a lesson is often thought to depend on the effectiveness
with which the lesson was planned.
Typically, lesson plans follow a format that identifies goals and objectives, teaching
methods, and assessment. These basic components can be modified in many ways depending
on specific student and teacher needs. One example of format in lesson planning is the 4A’s
model which focuses on four main concepts. Each is necessary for student success, and by
identifying how they will be used in instructional practices, teachers ensure they are frontand-center (Levitas, 2022). The 4A Model consist of 4 parts which is the Activate, Acquire,
Apply and Assess, each of this components have its specific purpose, for Activate this part is
where the students are provided activity which test if they had prior knowledge on the specific
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
topic, second is the Acquire, it is the part where students are reinforce with information
regarding with the topic, next is the Apply this part provide activities that allow students to
apply the learning’s that they had, last is the Assessment this part allows to measure the
students learning of the topic by providing activities that would really challenge the students
mind. Over all this model is like a specified way to make the teaching and learning process
become much more effective during the new normal. The collaborative effort of the students
and teachers is a must in order to make a meaningful and creative learning and 4A’s model
could be one of the most useful tools towards it. The intent of any model of teaching is to
promote student learning and the efficacy of such instruction on learning Wehmeyer et al.
(2000). Based on the observation of the pre-service teachers during their assistantship, some
students are having a hard time coping up in Physical Education classes in a reason that they
can’t easily follow particularly in performing the fundamental movements and skills in dance,
exercise and sports. So, the purpose of this action research is to examine how effective the 4A
model in lesson planning including the significant relationship in the mentioned model to the
learning acquisition of the learners. The humanistic and constructivist approaches to
education, which emphasize that learning occurs naturally, include David Kolb’s Theory of
Experiential Learning. Kolb proposed that experience was critical in the development of
knowledge construction, as learning occurs through discovery and active participation. Kolb
defined leaning as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of
experience” (Kolb, 1984).
According to (Barol, 2005) the students who were exposed to 4 A’s strategy showed
greater improvement on their post-test than those students exposed to conventional strategy.
The collaborative effort of the students and teachers is a must in order to make a meaningful
and creative learning and 4A’s could be one of the most useful tools towards it. Based on
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory it aims to approach the child holistically. It also
acknowledges the past schemes of the student and integrating it to a new one so most likely
this format will bring out what has been in stored and what is missing will be filled in
eventually towards a deeper knowledge of the lesson (Fermin, 2014). Teaching through
simulation games using 4 A's Instructional Design Model is the goal that fits into today's
current context. Simulation games using 4 A's instructional design model could help improve
the performance of students since it's engaging, collaborating, and submerging on students'
part and could develop highly favorable attitude because it is fun. (Lagdamen, 2019).
Proposed Innovation, Intervention and Strategy
Innovation
Teaching
through
Intervention
Strategy
simulation The research article by Gao and The 4A model lesson plan is an
games using 4 A's Instructional Zhou
(2020),
explores
the instructional design framework
Design Model is the goal that fits application of the 4A model in that provides a structured approach
into
today's
current
context. the
teaching
Simulation games using 4 A's education
of
in
physical to
colleges
planning
and
delivering
and effective lessons. The 4As stand
instructional design model could universities. The results of the for Activate, Acquire, Apply, and
help improve the performance of study
students
since
it's
revealed
that
the Assess. Here is an action plan on
engaging, application of the 4A model how to improve teaching using the
collaborating, and submerging on significantly
improved
the 4A model lesson plan:
students' part and could develop students' learning outcomes and
highly favorable attitude because it engagement
is fun (Lagdamen, 2019).
in
education classes.
physical Activate:
Set
clear
Before
learning objectives:
planning
your
lesson,
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
The research article by Guo and The research conducted by Wang define the goals and objectives you
Wang (2019), examines the use of and Wei (2018), focused on the want your students to achieve.
the 4A model to innovate physical innovative
education
teaching
under
development
of Use engaging hooks: Start your
the physical education teaching in lesson with a hook that captures
background of internet. The study higher education, utilizing the 4A students' attention and interest.
found that incorporating internet model. The study found that This could be a question, a story, a
technology into the 4A model can using the 4A model resulted in a video, or an image that relates to
enhance student
improve
the
learning and more engaging and interactive the topic.
effectiveness
of learning
physical education teaching.
environment
for Encourage participation: Create a
students in physical education positive and inclusive learning
classes, leading to improved environment
that
encourages
The study of Gao and Zhou (2020), learning outcomes.
participation from all students.
suggests that the 4A model can be
Acquire:
an effective pedagogical approach According to the research article Provide clear explanations: Use
in promoting students' acquisition by Zhang et al., (2020) the 4A clear and concise language to
of knowledge and skills in physical model was effective in promoting explain key concepts, ideas, and
education.
student engagement and learning skills.
Provide
examples
and
outcomes in online physical visuals to help students understand
education classes. Specifically, the content.
the study found that the 4A Use
model
facilitated
motivation,
acquisition,
a
variety
of
teaching
students' strategies: Mix up your teaching
knowledge strategies to cater to different
and
practical learning
styles.
application of physical education discussions,
Use
lectures,
activities,
and
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
concepts. The research findings multimedia resources to keep
suggest that the 4A model can be students engaged.
an effective innovation in online Scaffold learning: Break down
physical education teaching.
complex
topics
into
smaller,
manageable chunks, and provide
The research article by Wang et students with guidance and support
al.,
(2018)
experimental
conducted
study
on
an as they acquire new knowledge
the and skills.
effectiveness of the 4A model in
mobile learning. The 4A model, Apply:
which
stands
for
Activate, Provide opportunities for practice:
Acquire, Apply, and Assess, is a Give students opportunities to
framework designed to guide apply their learning in real-world
mobile learning activities. The scenarios. Use activities, case
study found that the 4A model studies, and projects to help
was
effective
in
promoting students practice what they have
learning outcomes in mobile learned.
learning settings. Specifically, Offer
feedback:
Provide
the study found that the 4A constructive feedback to students
model
facilitated
engagement,
students' to
motivation,
knowledge acquisition.
help
them
improve
their
and performance. Offer both positive
reinforcement and constructive
criticism.
Encourage collaboration: Foster
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
collaboration among students by
assigning
group
projects
and
activities that require teamwork.
Assess:
Use a variety of assessment
methods:
Use
a
assessment methods,
formative
and
variety
of
including
summative
assessments, to measure student
learning.
Use
quizzes,
tests,
projects, and presentations to
assess
different
types
of
knowledge and skills.
Provide timely feedback: Provide
feedback to students in a timely
and constructive manner. Use
assessment results to guide future
instruction.
Reflect on teaching: Reflect on
your teaching practices and use
feedback from students to improve
your instruction.
By following the 4A model lesson
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
plan,
you
can
improve
the
effectiveness of your teaching and
help your students achieve their
learning goals.
Research Questions
In this work, the researchers aimed to answer the question relative to the
implementation of the study.
1. How does the implementation of the 4A model in Physical Education affect student’s
motivation and engagement in learning?
Research Methods
In order for this study to be carried out, the researchers utilized a qualitative
research approach through a face-to-face interview which consist of 6 questions on the
effectiveness of 4A model in the acquisition of learning in Physical Education. Qualitative
research is a type of research that involves analyzing, interpreting text, interviews and
observations in order to discover meaningful patterns descriptive of a particular phenomenon.
Furthermore, this section presents the participants of the study, scope and limitation, sampling
procedure, data collection process, data analysis, and ethical issues.
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
The Participants of the Study
The participants of this said study were the First-year college students under the
supervision of the pre-service teachers in P.E 2 which currently enrolled in S.Y 2022-2023 at
Bukidnon State University, Fortich Street Malaybalay City Bukidnon.
Data Gathering Method
The researchers sought first the approval of the Department’s Chairperson through a
letter of intent stating the purpose of the action research. In the letter, the researchers clearly
stated the purpose of conducting the study including the respondents and other considerations.
In the implementation phase, the pre-service teachers designed lesson plans following the 4A
model and implemented it. The researchers then conduct a face-to-face interview which
consist of 6 questions regarding on the effectiveness of 4A model in the acquisition of learning
in Physical Education.
Data Analysis
In this study, the researchers conduct a face-face interview on the effectiveness of 4A
model in the acquisition of learning in Physical Education subject which consist of 6 question
which are the following: (1) Do you have an idea what is 4A Model? (2) Have you noticed
any development in your score or grades towards the implementation of 4A model in the
Physical Education Subject? (3) Would you prefer pure discussion or application/performance
based? (4) How has the 4A model help you in acquiring new knowledge and skills in Physical
Education? (5) Do you think the 4A model has made learning more engaging and enjoyable
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
in Physical Education? (6) Do you have any comments about the implementation of 4A
model? and used a thematic analysis for the description and interpretation of the gathered data.
Thematic analysis is the process of identifying patterns or themes within qualitative data and
understanding people’s experience or view of something Braun & Clarke (2006). Thematic
analysis is performed through the process of coding to create established, meaningful patterns.
The data would be gone through familiarization with the data by reading through relevant
literature on the 4A model and its application to Physical Education, generating initial codes
where highlight and label text related to theme and lastly, Producing the Final report which to
describe the themes and present examples from the data to support each theme and discuss the
significance and implications of the themes for the research question.
Theme 1: Idea about 4A Model
Participants 1, 3, 4, 5 said Yes
Participant 2 said No
Theme 2: Development in scores or grades towards the implementation of 4A model in
the Physical Education
All the participants 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 states that the 4A model had an impact to their scores
and performance in P.E.
Theme 3: Students Preference (Discussion/Application or Performance-based)
All the 5 participants choose or prefer application/performance based most especially in the
P.E subject.
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
Theme 4: Acquisition of knowledge and skills in Physical Education applying the 4A
model
All the participants 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 states that the 4A model helps acquire knowledge and
skills in P.E.
Theme 5: Impact on making Physical Education more engaging and enjoyable by using
4A model
Participants 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 states that the 4A model really make the learning especially in
Physical education subject much more enjoyable and engaging.
Theme 6: Comments on the implementation of 4A model in the classroom
Participant 1 commented that in giving of motivational activity following the 4A model,
teachers should consider giving games/activities that is suited or appropriate for their age.
Participants 2, 3, 4, and 5 states the positive impact of the 4A model itself to the students
learning, and they all said that they are contented and satisfied on how the practice teachers
implemented the 4A model.
Based on the result of the face-to-face interview in item #1 it shows that out of 5
respondent’s participants 1, 3, 4, 5 said YES that they had an idea what is 4A model and
participant 2 said NO for the reason that it’s not been introduce by their teacher.
Based on the result of the face-to-face interview in item #2 it shows that out of 5
respondent’s all the participants 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 states that the 4A model had an impact to their
scores and performance in P.E it’s just that participant 1, 3, 5 states that the 4A model had a
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
great impact for its serves as a great foundation most especially when it comes to learning for
he noticed that as the teacher provide motivational activities it gives them the idea on what
would be discuss which helps awaken their interest and pay attention in class which result to
the improvement of scores. Participant 2 stated that it impacted his scores in a way that it the
model makes the learning easy to take or understand. Participant number 4 states that before
online classes students had really finding difficulties on completing the activities but as the
4A model is been introduced it had a pattern where every A’s in the model had its lesson and
also it really impact the scores for it provide variety of activities which really fill the students
mind.
Based on the result of the face-to-face interview in item #3 it shows that out of 5
respondent’s all of them choose or prefer application/performance based most especially in
the P.E subject for having a performance-based assessment allows them to really grasp the
skills easily and be able to master it. Also, it encourages an interaction with the teacher and
students which makes the learning more interesting and fun.
Based on the result of the face-to-face interview in item #4 it shows that out of 5
respondent’s All the participants 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 states that the 4A model helps acquire
knowledge and skills in P.E for it encourage student-teacher interaction as well as
motivational activity that will prepares them in the lesson proper/discussion.
Based on the result of the face-to-face interview in item #5 it shows that out of 5
respondent’s all of them states that the 4A model really make the learning especially in
Physical education subject much more enjoyable and engaging for it really encourage
socialization, and really had a good interaction or communication between student and
teachers.
Based on the result of the face-to-face interview in item #6 it shows that out of 5
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
respondent’s 1 of them which is the participant 1 commented that in giving of motivational
activity following the model teachers should consider giving games, or play that is suited for
their age so that they could relate at the same time it’s not that childish and for them to really
much participate in the games/activities provided. Meanwhile, participant 2, 3, 4, and 5 states
the positive impact of the 4A model itself to the students learning, and they all said that they
are contented and satisfied on how the practice teachers implemented the model for they able
to improve their skills at the same time learn while having fun.
According to Gao and Zhou (2020), they explore the application of the 4A model in
the teaching of physical education in colleges and universities. The results of the study
revealed that the application of the 4A model significantly improved the students' learning
outcomes and engagement in physical education classes. The study of Gao and Zhou (2020),
suggests that the 4A model can be an effective pedagogical approach in promoting students'
acquisition of knowledge and skills in physical education.
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
Findings
This study reveals that 100% of the participants states that 4A model is a highly
effective teaching approach for learning acquisition in physical education. The 4A model
emphasizes on active, authentic, applied, and adaptable learning which helps students to
develop a deeper understanding of physical education concepts and promotes practical
applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 4A model lesson plan is a valuable tool for promoting learning
acquisition in physical education, and its principles should continue to be implemented in
physical education curricula to improve student outcomes.
ACTION PLAN
Goal: To implement the 4A model in Physical Education Subject.
Objectives
Action/Tasks
Person(s)
Success
Target
Result/Outcome
(what you need to do to
Responsible
Indicator
Completio
(what)
achieve the goal and
(how will
n
objectives)
you identify
(when you
your success)
need to
complete
the task)
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
To
facilitate Activate:
When there is
Last week
By incorporating the
highly
effective 
Set clear learning
an increase to
of
4A model lesson plan
teaching
and
objectives: Before
All the
the students
February
and implementing its
learning
by
planning
your
Practice
scores as the
2023
engaging students,
lesson, define the
Teachers
model
introducing
goals
and
being
concepts,
objectives
you
implemented
3rd week
the learning
providing
want your students
at the same
of April
experience for their
opportunities for
to achieve.
application,
new
and 
Use
Students
is
educators can
significantly enhance
time.
students. As a result,
engaging
the use of the 4A
assessing learning
hooks: Start your
Last week
outcomes.
lesson with a hook
of April
that
model lesson plan can
lead to significant
captures
The students
improvements in
students' attention
easily grasp
students' academic
and interest. This
the
performance and
could
being
scores, as they
discuss.
become more
be
a
question, a story, a

design strategy,
topic
video, or an image
engaged, confident,
that relates to the
and proficient
topic.
learners.
Encourage
participation:
There is an
Create a positive
improvement
and
on
learning
inclusive
students
acquisition of
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
environment
that
encourages
participation from
all students.
Acquire:

Provide
clear
explanations: Use
clear and concise
language
to
explain
key
concepts,
ideas,
and skills. Provide
examples
visuals
and
to
help
students
understand
the
content.

Use a variety of
teaching
strategies: Mix up
your
teaching
strategies to cater
to
learning
Use
different
styles.
lectures,
skills.
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
discussions,
activities,
and
multimedia
resources to keep
students engaged.

Scaffold learning:
Break
down
complex
topics
into
smaller,
manageable
chunks,
and
provide
students
with guidance and
support
as
they
acquire
new
knowledge
and
skills.
Apply:

Provide
opportunities
practice:
for
Give
students
opportunities
apply
to
their
learning in real-
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
world
scenarios.
Use activities, case
studies,
and
projects to help
students
what
practice
they
have
learned.

Offer
feedback:
Provide
constructive
feedback
to
students to help
them improve their
performance.
Offer both positive
reinforcement and
constructive
criticism.

Encourage
collaboration:
Foster
collaboration
among students by
assigning
group
projects
and
activities
that
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
require teamwork.
Assess:

Use a variety of
assessment
methods: Use a
variety
of
assessment
methods,
including
formative
and
summative
assessments,
to
measure
student
learning.
Use
quizzes,
tests,
projects,
and
presentations
assess
to
different
types
of
knowledge
and
skills.

Provide
timely
feedback: Provide
feedback
students
to
in
a
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
timely
and
constructive
manner.
Use
assessment results
to
guide
future
instruction.

Reflect
teaching:
on
Reflect
on your teaching
practices and use
feedback
from
students
to
improve
your
instruction.
Bukidnon State University
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700 Philippines
List of References:
Farrell, T.(2002) Methodologyinlanguageteaching:AnAnthologyofcurrentpractice(2),30-39.
Milkova,S.(2012)CenterforResearchonlearningandTeachng1,1-29.
Fujii,T.(2019)TheoryandPracticeoflessonstudyinmathematics,681-704.
Taskin,C.(2017)JournalofEducaionandpractice8(12),57-63.
Huang, X.(2020). Application of the 4A model in innovative physical education teaching.
Sports Science and Technology, 5(5), 14-1.
Zhang et al., (2020). The application of the 4A model in online physical education teaching.
Journal of Beijing Sport University, 43(6), 54-61.