Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the opinions of physical education teachers on the concept of sportsmanship. This study, which has been based on the qualitative research paradigm, involves opinions of 13 physical education teachers (9 males and 4 females) which serve in public schools of Turkey and which have been specified through a critical incident sampling. A “semi-structured interview form” which has been developed using a literature review and expert opinions has been used to collect data. The descriptive analysis technique was used in analyzing the obtained data. Results of the study showed that physical education teachers have different views on the sportsmanship concept. Although physical education teachers stated their opinions on requirement of activities towards enhancing the awareness with regard to the sportsmanship concept in schools they work in, it was determined that they performed few activities pertaining to sportsmanship. However, it was seen that the current physical education course programs do not provide teachers with sufficient information regarding the sportsmanship education and that teachers desire to have education on the sportsmanship concept during in-service training activities. Furthermore, the involved teachers think that quality of the current university education in terms of the sportsmanship concept should be improved. In conclusion, in order to enhance the quality of physical education teachers with regard to the sportsmanship concept, particularly faculties of education are recommended to include compulsory courses containing both the theory and practice on sportsmanship and researchers are recommended to develop sample activities and practice guiding physical education teachers.

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