THE ROLE OF FIELD TRAINING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENT TRAINEES’ COMPETENCY FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION LESSONS PLANNING: EXPERIENCE OF ALGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the effect of field training on the development of planning competency among student trainees in physical education. The research was motivated by the recognition that professional preparation requires the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. A randomly selected sample of 75 students, drawn from a population of 161 enrolled in a teacher education program in Algeria, participated in the study. The descriptive method was applied as the most appropriate approach, and data were collected through a structured and validated questionnaire designed to measure planning skills, lesson design, and instructional strategies.

Findings indicated that field training significantly enhanced planning competency, particularly in lesson organization, time management, and the selection of teaching methods. The results also emphasized the importance of linking coursework with practice and highlighted the role of supervision by mentors and cooperating teachers in improving the quality of trainees’ planning and reflective practices.

The study recommends strengthening field training programs and aligning them more closely with the objectives of physical education teacher education curricula. It further suggests emphasizing continuous evaluation, constructive feedback, and effective pedagogical guidance to ensure the acquisition of sustainable competencies transferable to professional practice. The findings confirm that field training constitutes an essential component in preparing qualified physical education teachers capable of meeting the demands of the profession.

Future research should include comparisons across different specializations, academic levels, or teacher training institutions at both national and international levels. Such studies would contribute to the development of teacher education programs and the design of more effective strategies in physical education and sports, thereby enhancing the quality of academic and professional preparation of student teachers and responding to the requirements of modern schooling.