Effect of problem-based learning on teacher self-efficacy in Physical Education didactics

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.119065

Keywords:

Higher education, problem-based learning, teacher self-efficacy, Initial teacher training, Physical Education

Abstract

Introduction: In the context of higher education, active methodologies have gained relevance as strategies to strengthen not only learning but also professional variables such as teacher self-efficacy.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of a teaching plan based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on teacher self-efficacy in university students from different majors.

Methodology: A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was adopt-ed. Participants were students enrolled in teacher training programs in the area of physical activity. The intervention took place in the Physical Education Didactics course. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), ad-ministered before and after the program. The analysis included descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a mixed ANOVA to examine changes over time and between groups.

Results: Self-efficacy scores showed a significant in-crease after the intervention (p < .001). This pattern was maintained both on the overall scale and in its dimensions. The ANOVA confirmed a main effect of time, F(1,144) = 1335.04, p < .001, η² = .773, along with a significant interaction between time and career.

Discussion: The results suggest that PBL contributes significantly to strengthening the perception of teacher competence, consistent with recent studies on active learning methodologies.

Conclusions: The implementation of PBL is associated with substantial improvements in teacher self-efficacy, which supports its integration into initial teacher training processes.

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01-06-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Méndez-Urresta, M., Yucato, J., Ortiz-Arciniega, J. L., Méndez Carvajal, V., Hye-Soo, C., Salas-Subía, J. C., & Méndez Carvajal, E. (2026). Effect of problem-based learning on teacher self-efficacy in Physical Education didactics. Retos, 79, 586-600. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.119065