Does microteaching work? A systematic review on self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility in Physical Education teacher education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v77.117801Keywords:
Cognitive flexibility, micro-teaching , self-efficacy, teacher educationAbstract
Background: Microteaching has become a widely used strategy in teacher education, yet its specific effects on Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) and on key psychological constructs remain underexplored.
Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence (2015–2025) on the impact of microteaching on pre-service physical education teachers, with a focus on self-efficacy and the emerging construct of cognitive flexibility.
Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and SPORTDiscus without language restrictions. Eligible studies involved microteaching or teaching simulations with pre-service teachers, reporting outcomes on instructional performance, self-efficacy, cognitive flexibility, or related pedagogical indicators. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.
Results: Of 626 records screened, a small corpus of experimental and quasi-experimental studies (n=4–6 with quantitative outcomes) consistently showed improvements in instructional skills, teaching confidence, and self-efficacy. Evidence for cognitive flexibility was indirect, mostly inferred from adaptability in teaching behaviors rather than standardized psychometric measures. The overall methodological quality was moderate, with few randomized designs and limited follow-up data.
Conclusions: Microteaching is a cost-effective and robust strategy to enhance instructional competence and self-efficacy in PETE. Its potential contribution to cognitive flexibility remains underexplored and represents a priority for future research. Standardized measurement, longitudinal designs, and culturally diverse samples are needed to consolidate this line of inquiry.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Patricio Arroyo-Jofré, Yazmin Chomali Alarcón, Nelson Carreño Godoy, Elizabeth Flores Ferro, Paulina Gúzman Martínez, Pamela Mera Herrera, Carmen Loyola Soto, Yocelyn Parra Urrea
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