An examination of factors influencing the teaching of physical education lessons in primary schools in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District of Central Region, Ghana.

Abstract

Everyone must have the opportunity to participate in physical education and special reference must be given to pupils in primary school level who deserve the right to a sound physical education experience as part of their fundamental human rights. Teachers at this level of the education system are responsible for providing movement experiences to these children. These movements’ experiences do not only promote skill development and proficiency but also enhance their overall health (NASPE, 2014).The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the teaching of physical education lessons in Primary Schools. The population for this study consisted of three hundred and sixty-six (366) teachers in all the Primary Schools in the Ajumako–Enyan– Essiam District. The study used the convenience sampling technique based on availability, accessibility and time factors. Descriptive survey method was the research design used to obtain data using a questionnaire with a reliability co-efficient of 0.78 as the research instrument to gather data from one hundred and ten (110) teachers within the district. The research findings showed that, most Primary Schools in the district lack basic teaching and learning materials, sports facilities and equipment as a major challenge in the teaching of physical education. The results also indicated that physical education was not allocated on schools timetables. Other challenges included lack of financial support from School administration as one major challenge that demotivates teachers. It was therefore recommended that teaching and learning materials, facilities and equipment be provided to enhance the teaching and learning of physical education in Basic Schools in the district.