Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONAL MODELS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN SPECIALIST AND GENERALIST TEACHERS
Abstract
The role of the specialist of physical education was introduced in primary school staff for IV and IV classes. For the remaining grades, this subject is still delegated to the generalist teacher, creating a hybrid structure characterized by management challenges and inconsistencies in instruction across different classes. The aim is to investigate the perceptions of specialist and generalist teachers on the effectiveness of the new organizational model implemented by primary schools following Law No. 234 of 2021. A convenience sample of specialist and generalist teachers completed a semi-structured questionnaire. In addition, an e-focus group was conducted on WhatsApp to explore specialists’ challenges. The results indicate a positive assessment of the quality of instruction provided by subject-specialist teachers, despite significant organizational challenges related to space management, timetable scheduling, curriculum fragmentation, and the complexity of multi-campus settings. Signs of professional dissatisfaction emerged, particularly among specialists, linked to mobility between school complexes and suboptimal organizational conditions.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v10i2.2000
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Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
Publisher: Cares srl – REN Press (since 2026). Previously published by Gaia srl – Edizioni Universitarie Romane (2017–2025).
ISSN: 2532-3296 E-ISSN: 3103-5744