Methodological Competency in Athletics of Future Physical Education and Sports Teachers: A Questionnaire Survey

Authors:

Pages: 141-151
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/ILFC5680

Abstract:

This study investigates the development of methodological competency in athletics among future physical education and sports teachers who completed undergraduate degrees in other fields and are enrolled in master’s programs at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. The research aims to examine students’ motivation for retraining, their expectations of the Methodology of Physical Education and Sports (Athletics) course, their perceived preparedness to teach athletics, and their overall satisfaction with the training. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in November 2025, with 57 master’s students from two programs: “Physical Education and Sports for Children and Youth with Special Educational Needs” and “Pedagogy of Physical Education and Sports. Sports Pedagogy.” The data were processed and analyzed quantitatively. The results show that most participants (89.5%) had prior sports experience and were highly motivated, mainly due to their interest in sports and teaching and their intention to work in a school setting. The majority (71.9%) evaluated the balance between theory and practice as appropriate, and 87.5% reported sufficient opportunities for practice and feedback. The most valued competencies were lesson planning and organization (52.6%) and differentiated instruction (21.1%). Overall, 63.2% felt well or very well prepared to teach athletics, and 91.3% expressed high satisfaction with the course. The findings suggest that the course effectively supports the development of methodological competency and enhances professional readiness among future physical education teachers.

Keywords:

methodological competency, athletics, physical education teacher, questionnaire survey.

Download

NA