The specialist teacher of physical education in the mainstream school

Abstract

The main objective behind this study is to indicate the importance of physical education across the curriculum, focusing on years 4, 5 and 6 at primary level. It also attempts to explore the benefits of having a specialist physical education teacher in each primary school. This study also investigates the present attitude of teachers of these specific pupils towards physical education. The introduction to this study takes into account the various aspects of physical education. The aims and benefits obtained through this subject are discussed in the first chapter. The second chapter focuses on the importance of requiring a subject specialist, while chapter 3 outlines various factors which lead to an effective learning environment. Chapter 4 considers the role of communication in the teaching of such an important subject and the fifth chapter describes the process involved in conducting this study. This chapter also includes the results obtained from the questionnaires set to teachers, as well as a detailed analysis of the results. The differing views are also compared or contrasted as deemed essential. Taking all these aspects into account, the conclusion - chapter 6, includes a number of suggestions, believed to bring about the so much desired changes in the teaching of physical education.