The curious mind in motion: Understanding the curiosity-engagement dynamic in tertiary physical education

Understanding the psychological drivers of student engagement is essential in advancing educational outcomes, particularly in Physical Education in the higher education. This study explored the interconnection between curiosity and study engagement among students enrolled in PE and related disciplines across various Philippine universities. Adopting a quantitative research design, responses were gathered from 1,273 students using validated instruments that assessed two dimensions of curiosity (stretching and embracing) and three components of study engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption). Statistical analysis using Spearman’s rho revealed a significant and positive relationship between curiosity and engagement, indicating that students who exhibit greater curiosity also demonstrate higher levels of academic engagement. Notably, both dimensions of curiosity were strongly correlated with all facets of engagement. These findings highlight the reciprocal nature of curiosity and engagement, suggesting that when learners are encouraged to explore, question, and embrace new experiences, they become more energized, committed, and immersed in their academic tasks. This underscores the potential of curiosity as a catalyst for enhancing motivation and persistence in PE learning environments. The results emphasize the need for educators to create pedagogical approaches that nurture curiosity and support meaningful engagement. Additionally, the study contributes to the broader discourse on student-centered learning by positioning curiosity not merely as a trait but as a powerful enabler of sustained academic involvement. Future investigations may benefit from exploring these relationships over time or in varying educational contexts to further illuminate the mechanisms underlying student engagement in PE.