Problems Militating Against Effective Teaching And Learning Of Physical Health Education In Junior Secondary School Enugu Education Zone

PROBLEMS MILITATING AGAINST EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PHYSICAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ENUGU EDUCATION ZON

ABSTRACT

This research work examined the  trends in students performance in junior certificate examination in physical health education in Enugu Educational Zone. Four research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The research design used for this study was descriptive research design. The population of the study consisted of all the students of four (4) selected secondary schools in Enugu Educational Zone of Enugu  State with a total of four thousand three hundred (4300) students. The sample of the study was made of two hundred (200) respondents consisting of both males and females. A self structured questionnaire which was well validated and tested for reliability at 0.68 was used to collect data for the study. A descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages were used to analyze demographic data while non-parametric statistics of chi-square was used to test the hypotheses set for the study at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings of the research work revealed that the null hypotheses were rejected by the respondents and the identified factors could be ameliorated through enhancing the teachers’ quality in terms of subject contents, providing them opportunities for further studies, attending seminars and workshops for update because their quality has significant role to play in teaching and learning of the subject.

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Education as a tool for the empowerment and sustainable development is indispensable both to the individual and the state at large. This is one of the major philosophical objectives that education is set to achieve as entrenched in the national policy on education (FRN 2004). Education is held as a major tool that can liberate a man from the fangs of ignorance. Some of such poverty indicators which education tackles are identified by UBE (2002) to include ignorance, hunger, lack, complex and social weakness among others. Education should be that, that guarantees the development of sterling qualities and skills that will enable one embrace that challenge of leadership and practical statesmanship in the affairs of this country Nigeria. On attaining Independence status as a nation in 1960 what seemed a major concern to most Nigerian leaders then was how education would be accessible to all citizens of the newly created nation. Education was seen as the necessary instrument immediately and essentially for the consolidation of the independence, for securing the new nation against neo-colonialism and for making workable newly established self-government in a multi-ethnic society. Mass education, at least to the level of literacy, was also seen by the Nigerian leaders to be necessary to create a proper foundation for a democratic government (Best, 2011). The desire to use education for nation building was (and is still) very compelling and so much was the faith in education that the schools of the nation were not only meant for political socialization but also for other social functions and for economic growth. To achieve these goals Universal Primary Education (UPE) was introduced nationwide in 1976, although hitherto this has been practiced in some parts of the country. Toward the end of the second decade of achieving nationhood status, therefore, Nigeria witnessed a phenomenal expansion at all levels of her education. A number of studies have been carried out to identify and analyze the numerous factors that affect secondary school student learning and academic performance in various centres of learning.

In this era of globalization and technological revolution, education is considered as a first step for every human activity. It plays a vital role in the development of human capital and is linked with an individual’s well-being and opportunities for better living (Battle & Lewis, 2002). It ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enable individuals to increase their productivity and improve their quality of life. This increase in productivity also leads towards new sources of earning which enhances the economic growth of a country (Saxton, 2000).For any country, a highly educated human resource contributes maximally to national development in various spheres. Individuals have used education as a ladder to climb to desired social economic levels. Education is also viewed as a tool for social economic changes (John 2017; Njuguna, 2011). As a result, the development of the educational sector should rank high in the scale of preference of policy makers and concerned institutions saddled with the responsibility of effecting national development in any country. No matter how well conceived a country’s developmental plans may be, they would be thwarted due to low  achievement. Indeed, poor  performance and high failure rate are inimical to the development of any society (Adeyemi and Adeyemi 2014).

In spite of the relevance of education as stated above, the Nigerian society has witnessed great deterioration in the standard of education, which as in turn resulted in poor performance by students in both junior and secondary Certificate Examinations in Nigeria (Alokan, Osakinle & Onijingin, 2013).  The quality of students’ performance remains at top priority for educators. It is meant for making a difference locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Educators, trainers, and researchers have long been interested in exploring variables contributing effectively for quality of performance of learners. These variables are inside and outside school that affect students’ quality of academic achievement. These factors may be termed as; student factors, family factors, school environment and peer influence (Crosnoe, Johnson & Elder, 2004).

Physical and health education as a school subject is one of the important subjects in junior secondary school education. Tal, et al (1993) and Kurdi (1986) cited by Abedalbasit, (2013) points out that revealing the importance magnitude of Physical and Health Education is the school’s responsibility. This can be achieved through providing sufficient opportunities to sports practicing, achieving physical fitness, adopt health information and habits, and safe attitudes in order to enable a Physical and Health Education program that helps in stabilizing their emotions and assure themselves through several activities. Physical and Health Education is a systematic instruction in sports, training, practice, gymnastics, exercises, and hygiene given as part of a school or college program. Physical and Health Education is the study, practice, and appreciation of the art and science of human movement (Hardman, 2002b). Physical and Health Education is course in the curricula that utilizes the learning in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains in a play or movement exploration setting (Kirui, 2007). In this study, it refers to an instructional program built around basic motor activities, which help achieve the goal of physical, emotional and mental wellbeing for every pupil, student and student-teachers. It includes education in health, hygiene, first aid, personal safety, and the teaching of manipulative skills. It is an integral part of the schooling process. In schools Physical and Health Education is usually referred to by the abbreviation P.H.E.

Physical education is relevant for both the students who are likely to continue to tertiary level and those who will not proceed. It equips students with a body of knowledge to make them functional and socially relevant in the fast changing world. Physical education is a distinct and dynamic science discipline. A decline in the yearly number of students’ enrolment for physical education at the junior secondary certificate examination level as observed by the researcher and their lack of keen interest in physical education as a school subject were the motivation for the study. The performance of students in Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria has remained an issue of concern to all stakeholders (Ajagun, 2000). The report by Ojerinde (1998) on the survey of the performance of candidates in physical education in Nigeria over the years revealed a discernible decline. This perennial decline has remained a source of concern to physical educators, (Nnaka and Anaekwe, 2004). Hence, this study intends to examine the problems militating against effective teaching and learning of physical health education in junior secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone.

Statement of the Problem

With the increase of sedentary activities such as watching television, playing videogames, increased computer technology, automation and reduction of high school Physical and Health Education schedules, young people are most likely to become overweight, and less fit. Based on previous review of literature, it is very understandable that there is a lack of research in Nigeria regarding Physical and Health Education as an important subject in public schools for junior classes especially in Abuja. Lack of good health among Nigeria students in public schools is noticeable because of many reasons such as obesity, lack of self awareness of health fitness and health related issues. Based on this, the study was design to investigate the problems militating against effective  teaching and learning of physical and Health Education in Enugu Educational Zone.

Research Question

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study

1. To what extent does student factors contribute to poor performance of students in Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education?
2. To what extent does family factors contribute to poor performance of students in Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education?
3. To what extent does school environment contribute to poor performance or students in Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education?
4. To what extent does peer influence contribute to poor performance of students in Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education?

Research Hypotheses

Ho1:    There is no significant relationship between student factors and poor performance of students Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education.

Ho2:    There is no significant relationship between family factors and poor performance of students Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education.

Ho3:    There is no significant relationship between school environment and poor performance of students Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education.

Ho4:    There is no significant relationship between peer influence and poor performance of students Junior School Certificate Examination in Physical Education.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study was to find out the  problems militating against effective teaching and learning of physical health education in junior secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. Specifically it examined the following factors affecting the affective teaching and learning of physical education in Enugu Educational Zone.

1. the student’s attitude and aptitude towards offering physical education in the study area.
2. teacher’s attitude/relationship to students as it influences study of physical education.
3. the influence of students’ peer groups.
4. The availability of instructional materials in physical education.
5. The wideness of the syllabus.
6. Gender influence.

 

 

Significance of the Study

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this topic or related topics and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their work.

Scope/Limitations of the Study

This study on the problems militating against effective teaching and learning of physical and health education in Junior Secondary Schools will focus on selected schools in Enugu Educational Zone of Nigeria.

Limitations of study

1. Financialconstraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Timeconstraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

Definition of Terms

PhysicalEducation:  Also called physical training (PT) or gym in less progressive settings, is a course in the curriculum which utilizes learning in the cognitive, affective and psycho motor domains in a play or movement exploration setting. It is the instruction in physical exercise and games, especially in schools.

HealthEducation: is any combination of learning experiences designed to help individuals and communities improve their health, by increasing their knowledge or influencing their attitudes.

Teacher: A teacher (also called a school teacher) is a person who provides education for students

Student: A student or pupil is a learner, or someone who attends an educational institution.

PhysicalActivity: Is any bodily movement that is produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle and that substantially increases energy expenditure, including exercise, sport, dance, and other movement forms.

Exercise: Is any form of physical activity that helps to promote overall health.

Curriculum: Is the totality of linkbasez.com that occur in the educational process

PROBLEMS MILITATING AGAINST EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PHYSICAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ENUGU EDUCATION ZON

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