Physical Education Teacher Education in Turkey: A Vision Forward

Abstract

Physical education in Turkey has a rich tradition evolving with the changing needs of the country for about 200 years. Much of the evolution has been a product of reflection on the history of physical education and an analysis of the current status of physical education. By examining these areas, pioneers of physical education in Turkey have been able to lead efforts through an ever-changing landscape of societal, personal, and educational needs of students. Considering the developing technological possibilities and the requirements of the age, it is essential to develop educational practices with innovative understanding in the field of physical education and teacher education programs today. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief contextual overview of the history of physical education in Turkey, including teacher preparation as well as an overview of the current status of the field in schools. Building on this information, a vision forward for physical education teacher preparation will be provided leveraging the deep traditions of physical education planted in Turkey generations ago. In this context, the responsibilities of universities and other stakeholders in order to improve the physical education teacher education program will be explained with some examples and also recommendations will be provided.