Shaping future physical educators: the role of mentor efficacy in pre-service teachers’ professional qualification perceptions

This dataset supports the study "The Role of Mentor Efficacy in Shaping Perceptions of Professional Qualifications Among Preservice Physical Education Teachers in Turkey." Data were collected during the 2023-2024 academic year from 673 preservice physical education teachers in Turkey. The dataset includes responses to two instruments: the Professional Qualification Perception Scale and the Mentor Efficacy Scale. These scales were used to investigate the relationship between mentor efficacy (specifically, effectiveness in preparation for practice and observation) and preservice teachers' perceptions of their professional qualifications. The study also explores how these relationships vary based on gender, practicum setting (high school), and mentor gender (male mentors). Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data. This dataset is valuable for researchers interested in mentor training, teacher education, physical education pedagogy, and the factors influencing preservice teachers' professional development. The findings underscore the importance of targeted mentor training programs that are sensitive to demographic differences and practicum contexts.