Perception of students on the status of physical education in Namibian Colleges of Education

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

Physical Education is in the author's view important, because it is the only subject in the school curriculum which is solely responsible for the child's physical development. P. E. students at Colleges of Education in Namibia need to be well prepared for the realities of teaching. The purpose of the study was to assess the perception of students on the current status of P. E. at the Colleges of Education in Namibia

A questionnaire was designed and validated in order to assess the perception of the College of Education students in the following areas; (i) their background knowledge in P. E. and Sport, (ii) their general view on the progress of the subject as to, period allocation, facilities and equipment, (iii) their perception on the attitudes of instructors, College Management and other students towards P. E. and (iv) the consideration given to goals and objectives at Colleges, and where emphasis is placed during P. E. lectures. Questionnaires were mailed to all Colleges of Education in Namibia, namely Caprivi, Ongwediva, Rundu and Windhoek Colleges of Education. All third year students were used in the study. Three hundred and fifty four students returned the questionnaires and participated in the study. P. E. lecturers were requested to assist the students to complete the questionnaires. A questionnaire was forwarded to the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Employment Creation to get the views of the Ministry

The results revealed that more than half of the respondents did not receive any formal P. E. classes during the Secondary School phase, though almost all participated in sport during this phase of schooling. Students generally felt that progress has been made in the subject and that it is being held in high esteem at their institutions. More than 80 percent of the respondents would be willing to teach the subject after leaving College. The Ministry however does not regard P. E. as a priority subject

Generally, students were happy with the period allocated to P. E. However, although Colleges have P. E. or sport facilities, most of them lacked equipment. A negative attitude from College Management was reported by the respondents, but the students viewed the attitude of instructors and other students towards P. E. more positively. Students further mentioned that the following areas needed improvement at Colleges (i) more equipment, (ii) better maintained facilities, (iii) more qualified lecturers, (iv) review of the period allocation and (v) a change in the attitudes of College Management towards the subject

Students indicated that the goals and objectives of the subject as outlined in the College curriculum are met and that emphasis is placed on all relevant areas during P. E. lectures

It is encouraging that most of the BETD [Basic Education Teaching Diploma] students are very enthusiastic about the subject

It was recommended that: (i) Both Ministries of Basic Education, Sport and Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Employment Creation should work closely with Colleges to improve the status of P. E. (ii) The terms of reference of the current P. E. curriculum panel should be revisited in order to allow representation of all stakeholders who will periodically review the curriculum and other relevant issues pertaining to the subject. (iii) Mechanisms should be put in place that will ensure better control and maintenance of basic facilities and equipment at Colleges, due to a lack of basic equipment at Colleges of Education. (iv) Regular in-service training programmes for both P. E. lecturers at Colleges and teachers at schools should be held in order to uplift quality teacher preparation at the Colleges of Education in the country