Clinical trial NCT06924554: Motivational Training Program for Pre-service Physical Education Teachers
Official title: Study Protocol of a Non-randomized Controlled Trial on a Circumplex Model-based Motivational Training Program for Pre-service Physical Education Teachers
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Teaching Styles
Motivation
Competence
Pre-service Teachers
Keywords: Self-Determination Theory
(de)motivating teaching styles
physical education teacher education
quasi-experimental study
mixed-methods research
Lead sponsor: Universidad de Zaragoza
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-04-11
Enrollment: 38
Sex: ALL
Standard ages: CHILD
ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: OTHER

Brief summary: This study presents the protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial evaluating a motivational-based training program for pre-service Physical Education teachers. The experimental group will participate in a 14-hour training program based on Self-Determination Theory and the circumplex model. The program consists of theoretical and practical training to foster motivating teaching styles and minimize demotivating ones. The control group will follow the standard curriculum of the Master's in Physical Education Teacher Education program without exposure to the specific intervention.

Detailed description: Physical Education Teacher Education is crucial, as it directly influences how pre-service Physical Education teachers will teach, motivate, and engage their future students. However, training programs that foster motivating teaching styles while minimizing demotivating ones remain scarce, particularly during initial teacher education. This study presents the protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial evaluating a motivational-based training program for pre-service Physical Education teachers, grounded in Self-Determination Theory and the circumplex model. The program, embedded in a Master's in Physical Education Teacher Education, consists of theoretical and practical training to foster motivating teaching styles and minimize demotivating ones. The study will involve at least 38 pre-service teachers, divided into an experimental group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 19). The experimental group will participate in a 14-hour training program combining theoretical and practical components. The control group will follow the standard Physical Education Teacher Education curriculum. A quasi-experimental pre-post design with a mixed-methods approach will be used. Quantitative assessments will measure changes in perceived competence, motivation for teaching, and (de)motivating teaching styles, while qualitative focus groups will provide in-depth insights into participants' experiences and program applicability. To ensure objectivity, independent researchers will conduct assessments, and external experts will moderate the focus groups. Findings will contribute empirical evidence on the effectiveness of Self-Determination Theory-based interventions in initial teacher education, informing curriculum development and supporting the advancement of evidence-based pedagogical training in Physical Education.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment in the Master's in Physical Education Teacher Education at the University of Zaragoza.
* 100% attendance in training sessions (experimental group).
* Completion of questionnaires at three time points (pre-test, intermediate, and post-test).
* Participation in the final focus group discussion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Failure to complete required assessments.
* Lack of attendance in mandatory sessions.

Primary outcomes:
measure: (De)motivating teaching styles
timeFrame: At baseline (Week 0), 4 weeks after baseline, and 8 months after baseline.
measure: Teaching competence
timeFrame: At baseline (Week 0), 4 weeks after baseline, and 8 months after baseline.
measure: Motivation to teach
timeFrame: At baseline (Week 0), 4 weeks after baseline, and 8 months after baseline.
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Quality of the training program
timeFrame: 4 weeks after baseline, and 8 months after baseline.
measure: Applicability of the training program
timeFrame: 4 weeks after baseline, and 8 months after baseline.
measure: Strengths and weaknesses of the training program
timeFrame: 8 months after baseline.
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Huesca
country: Spain
facility: Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y de la Educación
state: Aragón
Study officials:
References: