Professional Competencies in the Training of Physical Culture Teachers, University of Matanzas

Abstract

In the face of significant technological, social, and economic transformations in Cuban higher education, competency-based approaches are being considered. However, studies that integrate professional competencies into the training of Physical Education teachers at the University of Matanzas are still few and far between. A mixed design was developed, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. Qualitative data were processed with NVivo 14 and quantitative data with SPSS 22. There is general familiarity with these competencies, but there is heterogeneity and discrepancies in the definitions and methods for their assessment. Competencies such as planning, leadership, organization, and decision-making were identified. Emotional intelligence, information management, and research lack their proper appreciation. The lack of standardized assessment methods highlights the need for specific professional development and curricular reforms. These findings demonstrate the importance of harmonizing competency frameworks to align teacher training with labor market demands and societal expectations.