Characteristics of health-preserving competence of future physical education teachers in the structure of professional training

This article presents the results of a sociological study aimed at assessing health-preserving competence and its role in the professional training of future physical education teachers. The goal of the research is to characterize the health-preserving competence of future physical education teachers within the structure of professional training during wartime and postwar conditions. Research methods include theoretical analysis of scientific and methodological literature, sociological research, pedagogical research methods (observation), and mathematical analysis methods. The study involved 53 students from the first to fourth years of the specialty 014.11 Secondary Education. Physical Culture at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. Students' self-assessment of their level of health- preserving competence was divided into four levels: high, sufficient, average, and low. Only 7.4% of respondents rated their level as high, while the majority rated it as sufficient or average. The research identified the main reasons leading to low or average self- assessment of professional culture: insufficient number of practical classes (27.8%), lack of independent work (20.4%), insufficient theoretical knowledge (14.8%), and low level of motivation and interest (14.8%). Key aspects of health-preserving competence for future physical education teachers were determined. Despite the significant attention of higher education institutions to the formation of health-preserving competence, only 51.9% of students regularly implement components of a healthy lifestyle. The most effective means of forming health-preserving competence were identified as the integration of relevant aspects into the curriculum, conducting master classes, practical exercises, and organizing sports events. The study emphasizes the need to improve educational programs to enhance the level of health-preserving competence, which includes increasing the number of practical classes, stimulating students' independent work, and strengthening their motivation to actively apply the acquired knowledge in everyday life and professional activities.