Professional Training of Future Specialists in Physical Training and Sports

Abstract

The study aims to identify the specifics of training specialists in physical culture and sports. The specialities 014.11 “Secondary Education (Physical Education)” and 017 “Physical Education and Sports” train teachers, coaches, methodological instructors and lecturers. The training of such specialists is influenced by many different factors: distance learning caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and military operations in the country, the growth of students with special educational needs (SEN) (inclusive environment), the development of innovative and digital technologies, changes in the labour market, educational innovations, etc. The study covered key points such as the analysis of the educational programmes of the above specialities (on the example of the Faculty of Physical Education of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University), the study of the key competencies of physical education and sports specialists. The study showed that the process of training future teachers and trainers addresses the development of basic professional competencies but does not sufficiently include psychological training and the introduction of innovative, interactive technologies. There are no disciplines that provide digital health training and targeted soft skills training. The study also outlined several factors that have a direct impact on the quality of education and training of physical education and sports professionals. Among them are the transition to distance learning, the peculiarities of the material and technical base, the insufficient number of students studying in the dual form, and the decline in student motivation due to stress factors. High-quality training (including updated curricula in line with new professional standards), cooperation with educational institutions and sports facilities (clubs, children's and youth sports schools, sections), an optimal combination of practical training and theoretical education, and participation in competitions at various levels can ensure the high efficiency of training physical education teachers, coaches and instructors.