Perceived Exertion Questionnaire (RPE)
An individual rating of the lesson's effort using the 0–10 rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. It teaches students to recognize and regulate how hard they are working and to compare lessons over time.
How to play
- Hand out or project the printed RPE scale and explain the levels: 0 rest, 3 easy, 5 moderate, 7 hard, 10 maximum effort (1 min).
- Each student silently rates the overall effort of the lesson and writes it on the sheet with their name (1 min).
- If heart rates were taken during class, students write them next to their rating and compare (1 min).
- Ask for a show of hands for 0–3, 4–6 and 7–10 and discuss whether it matches what the lesson was aiming for (1 min).
- Final reflection: Did I work at the right intensity? What would I do differently next time? Collect the sheets (1 min).
Rules
- Answer honestly, without looking at your partner's answer.
- The rating isn't graded: it's for learning.
- Everyone's rating is respected, no teasing.
- Safety: anyone who marks 9 or 10 tells the teacher if they feel unwell, dizzy or in pain.
Variations
Easier
Use a 5-level faces scale.
Standard
Use the 0–10 number scale.
Harder
Log RPE over several lessons and make a graph to analyze the trend.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: rate the effort of their own adapted activity using the same scale.
- Autism or difficulty with directions: use pictures and colors, from green to red, on the scale.
- Visual impairment or writing difficulties: large-print scale or an oral answer to the teacher.
Learning goals
- Recognize one's own level of effort during activity.
- Connect the feeling of effort with heart rate.
- Learn to regulate exercise intensity.
Equipment for a class of 25
- printed RPE scale: 25
Teacher tip
Laminate the scales so you can reuse them, and use a separate log sheet. The first few times, many students overrate or underrate: compare with heart rate to help calibrate their perception.
PatioLab has "Perceived Exertion Questionnaire (RPE)" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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