Implementation of The Spectrum of Teaching Styles in Physical Education According to the Characteristics of the School

Abstract

This study analyses physical education teachers’ use and perceptions of the spectrum of teaching styles according to the characteristics of their schools. The study sample comprised 350 (35.1% women and 64.9% men) Spanish physical education teachers. The questionnaire used was based on the teachers’ use of and beliefs about teaching styles. The main results show that there were no general differences in the use of styles by gender, hours per week, or ratio. However, the use of teaching styles, the ability to apply different teaching styles, and the perceived benefits in terms of fun, learning, and motivation were conditioned by the teaching level, class time, and the ownership of the schools. These findings illustrate physical education teachers’ use and perceptions of the spectrum of teaching styles according to the context in which they work. This study could be beneficial to school administrations to identify how the characteristics of the schools can influence and condition the teaching methodology.