Student’s Perception towards Sport Skill Program: The Case of Dawuro Zone Some Selected High Schools

Abstract

The rationale of this study was to check up the student’s approach towards sport skill program in Dawuro zone of selected high schools. Besides, the study also intended to assess students’ perception towards fitness skill program; to identify association between students’ attitude towards physical education and fitness skill programs; to assess students perception towards the importance of the course at local and national levels; to recommend the possible alternative mechanisms and policy interventions that the schools should put in place so as to improve students’ attitude towards the subject matter. The study employed descriptive research design and mixed research methods including both qualitative and quantitative method, in which the concerned bodies (teachers and students) were participated. Moreover, the study was conducted in ten (10) secondary schools in Dawuro Zone and participants (physical education teachers and school students). Afterwards, simple random sampling technique of lottery method was used to select students, whereas, comprehensive or availability sampling technique was used to include teachers.  Specifically, 30 teachers and 340 students were involved in this study.  The relevant data to the study were collected through questionnaire and observation. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics (percentage, Standard Deviation and Mean Score) and inferential statistics of independent t-test. The findings identified were: negative students ‘attitude toward sport skill, student were failed to like teachers teaching method in practical classes, students are reluctant to perform physical activity, students did not takes his/her turn to perform physical activities, factors influence the attitude of high school students towards sport skill were lack of school facilities, cultural influences in school, size of class in school, the poor economic status of students , poor teacher’s efficiency , lack of teacher’s lesson preparation (readiness) , lack of use of teaching methods, lack of gender sensitivity ,lack of interest in subject , peer influence ,absence of dressing house for female student`s and students have negative perceptions to the importance of the physical education. The suggested solutions were focused on Physical education teachers should allow students to practice in class and interest as well as their students’ interest, the methods and teaching styles used by the teachers should be appropriate with the Physical Education lessons in order to equip students with the necessary knowledge that enable them evaluate the importance of physical education with respect to physical, mental, emotional and social health.

Keywords: perception, Physical education, Sport skill

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/60-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2022