Effects of professional competencies of physical-education teachers on teaching and student performance (EPiC-PE)

Physical education is a central element in the promotion of sports and motion-related skills in schools. In order to ensure and enhance the quality of physical-education teaching, more knowledge about the conditions and effects of physical education is needed.

In the context of our previous studies, we made an inventory concerning the implementation of quality characteristics in physical education from the point of view of school principals and teachers. In addition, we included the perspective of the students. The analyses were concerned with individual characteristics as well as with the perception of the physical-education class and the physical-education teacher. Currently, the project focuses on investigating the professional competencies of physical-education teachers and their effects on both the teaching and the learning outcomes of students. 

The research project aims to gain empirically sound insights into the interdependencies and effects of professional competencies of physical-education teachers. For this purpose, it centres (1) on the acquisition and the extent of professional competencies of physical-education teachers, (2) on the effects of professional competencies on physical education, and (3) on the learning outcomes of students in physical education. In order to answer our research questions, we have planned to implement a longitudinal study design. This main study is preceded by the development of instruments and a pilot phase.