Innovative competence development among future physical culture and sports specialists through digital and STEAM-oriented training
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46502/issn.1856-7576/2026.20.02.19Keywords:
innovative competence, future specialists in physical culture and sports, digitalization, digital resources, STEAM approachAbstract
The development of innovative competence among future specialists in physical culture and sports has become a priority in the context of digital transformation and modernization of higher education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital and STEAM-oriented educational system designed to foster innovative competence in future professionals. A quasi-experimental research design was employed involving 220 students of physical culture and sports, divided into an experimental group (n = 110) and a control group (n = 110). The intervention included the implementation of digital educational technologies, STEAM-oriented learning, project-based activities, and the creation of an innovative educational environment. Innovative competence was assessed according to motivational, cognitive, and activity-based criteria. Data were collected through questionnaires, testing, interviews, observations, and academic performance analysis. Statistical significance was verified using Pearson’s χ² test. The results demonstrated considerably higher levels of innovative competence among students in the experimental group. High-level competence was achieved by 58.9% of participants according to the motivational criterion, 59.9% according to the cognitive criterion, and 67.9% according to the activity criterion, compared with 28.2%, 29.2%, and 29.2% in the control group, respectively. Pearson’s χ² test confirmed statistically significant differences between the groups. The findings indicate that the proposed pedagogical conditions effectively enhance innovative competence and support the modernization of professional training for future specialists in physical culture and sports.
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