Competencies of physical education teachers in north-eastern Italy in relation to gender and length of service
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7346/-fei-XXIV-01-26_13Keywords:
Physical education teachers, Self-evaluation, Competencies, Gender, Years of teachingAbstract
This paper examines the perceived professional competencies of physical education teachers in North-Eastern Italy, focusing on gender and years of service. A sample of 484 teachers completed a 35-item questionnaire covering four areas: teaching methods, general didactic knowledge, socio-cultural aspects, and pedagogical and motivational strategies. Findings reveal significant differences: teachers with less than 10 years of service perceive themselves as more competent in methodological skills; female teachers report greater confidence in pedagogical and motivational strategies, while male teachers consider themselves stronger in methodological, didactic, and socio-cultural dimensions. The evidence highlights the need to rethink both initial and in-service training, promoting critical, inclusive, and socially aware educational pathways able to respond to the challenges of contemporary physical education.
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