A pedagogical innovation: Views of physical education teachers about fundamental gymnastics skills with a inquiry-based instructional model

Purpose: In this study, it is aimed to evaluate teacher views on pedagogical innovation resulting from the acquisition of fundamental gymnastic skills to secondary school students with a inquiry-based instructional model (IBIM). The physical education teachers who participated in the study carried out their courses on the basis of this model and provided the behavioral change with rhythm training. Methods: "Participant Action Research" of qualitative data techniques was used in the research. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 5 physical education and sports teachers working in 4 secondary schools affiliated with Ministry of National Education in Şehzadeler District Directorate participated in the research. "Maximum variation sampling" technique was used to determine the sample. The research took place in two stages: teacher training and education in schools. Teacher training was carried out in the form of pilot process and main process. Teachers taught basic gymnastics skills with IBIM for 6 weeks (2 hours) through rhythm within the scope of physical education and sports lessons. The data of the study were collected through "focus group interviews", "face-to-face interviews", "post-course evaluation interviews" and "observations". The data has been subjected to descriptive and content analysis. Results: From focus group ınterview data, Teachers' Qualifications, Teachers' Field Information Needs themes were obtained whereas Achieving Course Objectives, Desired Outputs, Negativity in Learning Environment themes were obtained from Post-course evaluatin interviews data; and finally Motivational Sources, Content and Impact of Model on Students were obtained from face-to-face ınterview data. Conclusion: It can be said that the opinions of physical education and sports teachers regarding the studies carried out with IBIM on the acquisition of basic gymnastic skills to fifth grade students through rhythm are positive. However, the participants stated that they had difficulty because they lack the knowledge about the new method or model, the duration of the course was not sufficient, the physical conditions of the school were inadequate and there was a lack of equipment. Based on this, the need for the spread of model-based training applications has been demonstrated. Keywords: Inquiry-Based Instructional Model, Fundamental Gymnastics Skills, Rhythm, Physical Education and Sports Course