Primary teachers and the delivery of physical education lessons. : A study within local state schools

Abstract

Physical Education, just like all other subjects within the Primary Curriculae, has its' place within the teaching and learning components. Unfortunately the status of the subject, together with problems in its implementation seem to allow the option for the professional teachers to discard the subject and fill in the time made available with other subject content deemed to be of more value. Physical Education needs to be given the same importance as all other subjects within Primary Education. This change could be brought about by having both the class teachers and the Physical Education peripatetic teachers working in unison for the benefit of the pupils. Children should be receiving creative, progressive and challenging Physical Education lessons and should be given a fair chance at improving in this subject as they have in most others. This study aims at investigating the teaching of Physical Education in the Maltese State Primary sector, focusing on the junior years (Year 4, 5 and 6). The perception of the classroom teachers as well as the Physical Education peripatetic teachers will be studied through a quantitative method of research. Questionnaires will be the tools used to gather data regarding the role of the class teacher during the Physical Education lesson, difficulties seen or experienced in delivering Physical Education lessons and views towards this subject. Moreover, the role of the peripatetic teacher and ways how this teaching structure can improve will be considered.