A review of selected physical education teacher education publications in German (2019-2021)

Abstract

This review article analyses research articles on the topic of physical education teacher education published in German-speaking scientific journals in the period between January 2019 and December 2021. In total, more than 60 journal issues of the journals Bewegung & Sport, German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, Sportpädagogik, Sportunterricht, Zeitschrift für Sportpädagogische Forschung, and Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie were reviewed. The reviewed articles are divided into two categories: physical education teachers’ professionalization, and articles focusing on instructional aspects in physical education. In the first category, 23 articles focusing on topics connected with physical education teacher education were analysed in two sections: (1) initial education of physical education teachers and (2) professionalization of physical education teachers. In the second category, 14 articles providing an overview of some current trends and orientations in physical education didactics relevant for physical education teacher education were analysed: (1) teaching and learning in physical education, (2) inclusive physical education and (3) diagnostic competence of physical education teachers. With 23 articles focusing directly on physical education teacher education, a considerable increase of publications on this topic in comparison to previous periods was identified. Most publications address issues related to initial physical education teacher education.