The Effect of the R.E.A.C.T Strategy on Learning the Cat and Gazelle Skills in Rhythmic Gymnastics among Female Students

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the effect of the R.E.A.C.T strategy on learning the Cat Leap and Gazelle Leap skills in rhythmic gymnastics among female students. The researcher employed an experimental method using a two-group design (experimental and control) with pre-test and post-test measurements.

The research population consisted of third-year female students in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, College of Basic Education, University of Diyala, totaling 64 students distributed across four sections. The experimental group was selected randomly and consisted of 10 students from Section (C), while the control group was selected using the same method and consisted of 10 students from Section (A). The pilot sample included 2 students from the research population but outside the main sample. Thus, the final research sample comprised 20 students, with 10 students in each group.

The research procedures included conducting pre-tests and preparing educational exercises. The rhythmic gymnastics skills selected for the study were the Cat Leap and Gazelle Leap, which were assessed for both the experimental and control groups in the pre-test and post-test. The educational units were implemented over a period of eight weeks, from Monday, October 6, 2025, to Monday, December 1, 2025, at a rate of one lecture per week. The total number of lectures was eight, with each lecture lasting 90 minutes.

After completing all procedures and analyzing the results, the researcher concluded that the R.E.A.C.T strategy played an effective role in learning the Cat Leap and Gazelle Leap skills in rhythmic gymnastics among female students. The study recommends the adoption of the R.E.A.C.T strategy due to its significant effectiveness in improving the educational process and enhancing students’ learning outcomes