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 exercise preferences of specialist teachers working in project schools located in the city center of Batman, Turkey. The research was supported by a review of the existing literature and was based on a qualitative research method. The data collection process was carried out using a semi-structured interview technique. The data obtained were analyzed through descriptive and content analysis methods; various codes were generated from the interview data, and these codes were classified under specific themes. The participants consisted of nine specialist teachers working in project schools in Batman city center, including two women and seven men. The analysis of the exercise preferences of these teachers was presented under nine main themes. These themes include: the purpose of engaging in exercise, the influence of work schedules, the duration of exercise, factors affecting their sports preferences, the presence of family members with achievements in any sports discipline, the sports disciplines they enjoy watching in the media, the impact of working conditions on their ability to exercise, the perceived effects of exercising on their quality of life, and their participation in sports activities organized at their schools. Each main theme was presented along with its sub-dimensions. The results of the study revealed that multiple factors influence the exercise preferences of the participants. The findings aim to provide significant insights into understanding the sports-related choices of specialist teachers and the motivations behind those choices.