ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess students’ engagement in basketball at Zhuhai University of Science and Technology and its significance for their overall development. The study utilized a mixed methods approach to examine students’ cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement with basketball. Cognitive engagement refers to mental involvement in learning sports skills; affective engagement involves emotional investment, such as enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment; and behavioral engagement focuses on the effort and physical activity students dedicate to the sport. The research highlights how playing basketball enhances physical and mental health, cooperation, and leadership—traits critical to human development. However, challenges such as inadequate facilities, insufficient funding, and ineffective policies hinder the effectiveness of basketball programs. This study underscores the importance of understanding why individuals engage in physical activity, whether for health, mental well-being, socialization, or pleasure, to motivate lifelong participation in sports. The findings suggest that a traditional approach to teaching basketball may limit students’ potential for advanced skill development. Instead, a comprehensive method that integrates physical fitness, motor skills, and academic performance can better enhance overall education. Drawing on theories of engagement, motivation, and skill development, this research provides strategic recommendations to improve basketball education at Zhuhai University of Science and Technology within the context of higher education.

Keywords: Academic performance, basketball education, cognitive engagement, physical fitness, university sports