Browsing by Author "Abed, Mwaka Mbaruok"

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    Students’ participation in physical education secondary schools in Tanzania: a case of urban west region in Zanzibar
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2013) Abed, Mwaka Mbaruok
    This study aimed at examining the students’ participation in Physical Education (PE) in secondary schools, with specific reference to Urban West Region on Unguja Island. Four research tasks and their questions guided the study. A total of 95 respondents, who included school heads, teachers and students, took part in the study. Data were gathered through the use of questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary review and were qualitatively analyzed. The study findings established that students’ participation in Physical Education varied from one physical activity to another in the researched schools. The findings further indicated that participation in Physical Education was gender based although both sexes appreciated participating in Physical Education. The study found that participating in PE contributed to students’ well-being: fitness, mental activeness, socialisation, good health and character building. Indeed, the more physically and mentally composed the students were, the better they were able to perform academically. Comparatively, there was a remarkable difference in the availability of equipment for Physical Education between public and private schools, with the latter outshining the former. Also the study findings revealed that PE was timetabled just like other subjects in secondary schools. Also the school administration contributed in different ways to supporting students’ participation in PE. Such as motivating students and teachers, and counseling. In the light of research findings, it was concluded that Physical Education activities such as netball and football, athletics, drama, dance and gymnastics featured prominently in PE activities. However games (netball and football) proved to be most popular. PE facilities / equipment in both private and public schools were not enough but slightly more in private school. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends that every individual school should follow the statutory policy on PE that should guide students’ participation in PE. Also the government should encourage the different stakeholders to contribute resources for PE and facilities in schools. In addition, parents should be educated on the importance of students’ participating in PE.