2011, Volume 3, Issue 2

Positive Personality Traits As an Element of Creating the Image of a Physical Education Teacher

Mirosław Zalech<sup>1

1</sup>Faculty of Physical Education in Biała Podlaska, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw


Author for correspondence: Mirosław Zalech; Faculty of Physical Education in Biała Podlaska, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw; email: miroslaw.zalech[at]awf-bp.edu.pl

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Abstract

Background: To create a positive image among students, a Physical Education teacher should get to know their expectations and visions. The aim of the work was to identify the most significant positive traits which a Physical Education teacher should possess and to identify relations between variables determining students’ choices.
Material/Methods: The results obtained from 744 students (471 females and 273 males) from two uppersecondary schools (1st school n=393; 2nd school n=351) were analysed. The research used a diagnostic poll method – questionnaires. Respondents were asked a half-open question and were supposed to indicate three most significant positive features which should characterise a Physical Education teacher. The analysis was made with the use of the log-linear modelling method.
Results: The research indicated the most desired features which should characterise a Physical Education teacher. The analysis of relations (p<0.05) between independent variables (school x gender x year) and a dependent variable (selection of a particular characteristic) allowed revealing a second-order interaction for five traits (calm, caring, understanding, trustworthy, having a sense of humour) and a third-order interaction for three personality traits (fair, benevolent and consistent). There did not appear any relations between independent variables and the selection of such personality traits as self-possessed, friendly and being a partner.
Conclusions: Features which, according to students, should characterise a Physical Education teacher should serve as foundations for building a positive image or as the basis for modifying the existing one. Moreover, such knowledge of factors influencing the differentiation of the expectations of students may help a current correction of an attitude to them and to strengthen the teacher’s authority.

Key words: image, public relations, PE teacher, students, personality traits