An assessment of teachers' participation in physical education programmes in Public primary schools in, Westlands division, Nairobi

Abstract

The study findings established that majority of teachers 82.9% had not attended inservice/ seminars in P.E for the last three years. There was generally low teachers participation in P.E programmes. It was found that teachers with P2, PI and diploma in education qualification participated more in P.E programmes than any other professions. It was found that as teachers' age advanced their participation in P.E programmes decreased, however at 45 years and above the participation increased. On gender, it was established that Female teachers participated more in instructional P.E programmes than games. The reverse was the case for male teachers. There was a critical shortage for P.E facilities and equipment as revealed by 40% of teachers. Majority of teachers 24.8% said that those facility and equipment that were available were of poor quality. It was also established that majority of teachers 40% never assessed their classes and awarded marks to pupils. The study revealed that a significant number of teachers 22.9% used the time allocated for P.E to teach other examinable subjects. There was also low support given to teachers by inspectors of schools, head teachers, parents, government and local sports organization. It was therefore recommended that all teacher training courses to have P.E as a compulsory subject; government to increase the funds meant for primary schools co-curriculum activities; stakeholders such as parents be involved actively in schools P.E progranunes; Ministry of education in conjunction with the one dealing with sports to start youth sports centers country wide and finally, P.E should be examined both externally and internally in all public primary schools in Kenya.