The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between academic self-efficacy and distance education perception levels of physical education and sports teacher candidates during the pandemic process. The population of the study consists of teacher candidates (n=908) studying at the physical education and sports teaching departments of the School of Physical Education and Sports and Sports Sciences within the private and public universities affiliated to the Higher Education Institution in Istanbul, and the sample consists of volunteers (n=398) determined by simple random sampling method from this population. In order to collect data, the Google Forms platform was preferred in order to maintain social distance during the pandemic process. During the data collection process, information and questionnaires about the study were communicated to the participants through social networks. Volunteers who participated in the study were asked to fill in the personal information form, academic self-efficacy and distance education perception scales. The data obtained in the study were analyzed in computer environment. Variables are expressed by using mean ± standard deviation, percentage and frequency values. Pearson product moments correlation analysis (r) was applied to reveal the relationships between the scales. For the significance level of the tests, p<0.05 and p<0.01 values were accepted.

As a result, it was determined that the academic self-efficacy and distance education perception levels of physical education and sports teacher candidates were above the average. Between the academic self-efficacy and perception of distance education. A low level positive relationship was found. It is thought that this situation is caused by the concerns of physical education and sports teacher candidates, who are accustomed to the face-to-face transfer of knowledge and skills related to the teaching models of sportive skills, to the transition to distance education and to the problems that may occur in this process and not to learn the necessary knowledge and skills related to their professional development.

Keywords: Physical Education and Sports, Academic Self-efficacy and Distance Education Perception