Physical Education Teachers’ Relationship with University as Scientific, Educational and Social Institution

Research background and hypothesis. Academic environment necessitates university teachers to carry out three essential professional functions: scientific, educational and social, and to gain such professional self-perception which is desirable for the individuals themselves and are also rooted in the cultural perception of the academic community and matches the expectations of modern society. Research aim was to reveal the relationship between university physical education teachers and the university as scientific, educational and social institution. Research methods. The study employed a non-standardized questionnaire drawing upon the survey of L. Paterson et al. (2003) about the expression of democratic intellect in Scotland and England. The attitudes of the research participants were interpreted using nonparametric statistical methods. Research results. Educational activities remained the major priority of professional activities at the beginning of professional careers. The lower priority was ascribed to scientific and social functions. Discussion and conclusions. Physical education teachers carried out three essential professional functions: scientific, educational and social giving the major priority to the educational function: preparation of textbooks, course books, worksheets, courses, vocational events, updating their professional knowledge. Physical education teachers are also oriented towards applied research which is related to scientific function at the university – preparation of doctors of science.