An analysis of sports participation preferences of specialist teachers working in project schools in the city center of Batman

This study aimed to examine the sports participation preferences of specialist teachers working in project schools located in the city center of Batman. The research was supported by a review of the existing literature and was based on a qualitative research method. Data collection was conducted using a semi-structured interview technique. The data obtained were analyzed through descriptive and content analysis methods; various codes were generated based on the data collected during the interviews, and these codes were categorized under specific themes. The participants consisted of a total of nine specialist teachers—two female and seven male—employed in project schools within the Batman city center. The investigation into the sports participation preferences of these specialist teachers was presented under nine main themes. These themes include: the main theme related to the purpose of engaging in sports, the main theme concerning work schedules, the main theme regarding the duration of sports engagement, the main theme on factors influencing sports preferences, the main theme related to whether any family member has achieved success in a specific sport, the main theme concerning the sports branch(es) they enjoy watching in the media, the main theme on the impact of working conditions on their ability to participate in sports, the main theme related to the perceived impact of engaging in sports on their quality of life, and the main theme on their participation in sports activities organized at their schools. These main themes were presented along with their respective sub-dimensions. The findings of the study revealed that multiple factors influence the participants' preferences for engaging in sports. The study aimed to offer significant insights into understanding the preferences of specialist teachers regarding sports and the underlying motivations behind these choices.