Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Proficiency and Identified Gaps Among Wushu Teachers

Abstract

Despite global advances in digital pedagogy, structured professional development that integrates technology into martial arts instruction remains scarce. Grounded in the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, this explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined the self-described TPACK proficiency of Wushu teachers and the specific proficiency gaps they experience in practice. A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to a random sample of Wushu teachers, and ten of them were subsequently interviewed. Quantitative findings indicate that teachers are generally proficient across all three TPACK domains (overall M = 2.98, SD = 0.26), with Content Knowledge ranking highest (M = 3.01) and Technological Knowledge lowest (M = 2.96). Qualitative findings, however, revealed three concrete gaps: limited use of mobile and wearable technologies, absence of standardized tools for performance assessment, and inadequate understanding of biomechanics and physical conditioning principles. The study concludes that Wushu teachers possess strong mastery of technique and instructional strategy but require targeted development in technology integration, objective assessment, and the science of movement. A four-module ITM-Wushu (Integrated TPACK Training Model for Wushu Teachers) is proposed to address these gaps. Implications for teacher education and suggestions for future research are discussed.