Primary School Physical Education Instruction. What are Teachers Doing?

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the implementation of physical education policy by primary school teachers in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey was applied to collect data from a cluster sample of 310 primary school teachers from Zvimba, Makonde and Kariba Districts in Mashonaland West Province. Questionnaires and focused group discussions were used to capture teachers’ views. Circulars, class timetables and schemes of work were analysed for documentary evidence. The study revealed that; teachers were not instructing children in physical education as required by Regional Director Circular Number 15 of 2005 point (3, 1) which require physical education to be compulsory. Teachers’ instruction was more on a voluntary basis rather than compulsory. Time for physical education was used to complete mathematics homework or teach examinable subjects. Teachers ranked physical education at the bottom of their subject priority list. In some schools physical education resource teachers took children for sports during the time for physical education leaving teachers to complete planning, scheming and marking. Factors affecting the teaching of physical education included: lack of teacher expertise, no textbook or teachers’ guides for physical education. Teachers consider physical education as sport. The study recommends, resource teachers re-orientation with emphasis in them assisting teachers not relieving them their physical education instructional responsibilities. Physical education questions can be included in the content examination papers to encourage teachers to teach the theory part of physical education. Cluster workshops and demonstration lessons on physical education instruction for teachers are encouraged. Replication of study to establish the physical education teaching situation nationwide is strongly recommended for feedback to the Ministry of Education Sport and Culture.

Keywords: physical education, instruction, primary school teachers