Challenges faced by principals in implementing physical education in public secondary schools in Githunguri District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the challenges faced by principals in implementing Physical Education in public secondary schools in Githunguri district. This study covered the following objectives; to find out the curriculum coverage, availability of trained personnel, status of facilities and the attitude of teachers and students towards Physical Education. The study adopted survey design and was guided by curriculum theory. The study targeted 30 principals, 180 Physical Education teachers and 720 students of the form 2 and 3 classes in the 30 public secondary schools in Githunguri district. The study randomly sampled 30% of the 30 schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample the 54 Physical Education teachers and 72 students. The study sampled 30% of the teacher and 10% of the student. This resulted to 9 principals, 54 Physical Education teachers and 72 students. Questionnaires for the students and interview schedules for the principals and teachers were used for data collection. Validity of the research instruments was ensured by discussing with the supervisor and colleagues. Reliability was ensured by undertaking a pre-test and calculating the Cronbach coefficient. The research utilized descriptive statistics and presented them in tables and graphs. The study found that there is no enough time provided for Physical Education. Physical Education is not adequately staffed and there are no facilities in school for Physical Education. The condition of the available facilities is poor. The attitude of the majority of Physical Education teachers towards the lesson is negative. The principals should be sensitized on the importance of Physical Education to understand their role in the implementation of the Physical Education curriculum. Every school should be mandated to provide the necessary facilities needed for Physical Education curriculum. Research findings may enable the Ministry of Education in development of Physical Education curriculum and to identify challenges facing its implementation in secondary. Academia also benefit from the study as basis for further study.