The Competence of Physical Education Teachers and Its Influence on Student Learning Outcomes at Junior High Schools in Makassar

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the level of pedagogical and professional competence of physical education (PE) teachers in junior high schools in Makassar and examine its impact on student learning outcomes. Furthermore, the study seeks to provide recommendations for improving teacher competence to enhance the quality of physical education learning in schools.

Materials and Methods: This research employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive-correlational design. The participants were 35 physical education teachers selected from various junior high schools in Makassar. Data collection instruments included a structured questionnaire to measure teachers' pedagogical and professional competencies, documentation of student learning outcomes in physical education, and an observation checklist to assess teaching practices during classroom sessions. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation and t-test at a significance level of 0.05 to determine the relationship and influence of teacher competence on learning outcomes.

Results: The findings revealed that the average level of teacher competence was categorized as “good,” with a mean score of 83.4%. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.78) was found between teacher competence and student learning outcomes in physical education. The results of the t-test analysis showed a t-count of 75.971 with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating that teacher competence had a statistically significant effect on the students' learning outcomes.

Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the pedagogical and professional competence of physical education teachers significantly influences student learning outcomes at junior high schools in Makassar. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing teacher competence through continuous professional development, training programs, and reflective teaching practices to improve the overall effectiveness of physical education instruction.