“We do notice the correlation between the results of the learner and physical activity” : Perceptions and attitudes of secondary school teachers towards physical activity in the Western Cape, South Africa
Peltola, Jasmin; Hytönen, Anniina (2019)
Peltola, Jasmin
Hytönen, Anniina
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019061416918
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019061416918
Tiivistelmä
There is a major concern that South African young people are at a good pace absorbing unhealthy lifestyle habits. The youngsters need more guidance towards a more physically active lifestyle and therefore schools and teachers play a key role in this stage.
The schools need more qualified physical educators, knowledge of the benefits of physical activity during the school day and positive attitude towards physical activities. (Uys, Bassett, Draper, Micklesfield, Monyeki, De Villiers & Lambert, 2016.) Attitude can be learned. (Hodges & Logan, 2012, 4; Matikainen, 2006.)
The purpose of this thesis was to create a better understanding of the secondary school teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards physical activity and to enhance physical education in secondary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. The objectives of this thesis were to investigate the secondary school teachers’ attitudes and perceptions towards physical activity and to promote knowledge of the effects of physical activity on academic achievement, schooling and cognitive functions in the selected schools in Cape Town. The research was conducted by using a qualitative research method, focus group discussion by interviewing 13 secondary school teachers in three schools.
This thesis is linked with an international Caring Society (CASO) - project. The aim of the project is to improve South African social and healthcare through knowledge exchange (CASO, 2018). The results of this thesis state the secondary school teachers’perceptions and attitudes towards physical activity were positive. The teachers were aware of the benefits that physical activities and physical education might provide. The results showed that physical activities during the school days are beneficial for learners and physical activity might improve the academic performance and the ability to concentrate. A major challenge is the lack of resources and the lack of appreciation towards physical activity.
The schools need more qualified physical educators, knowledge of the benefits of physical activity during the school day and positive attitude towards physical activities. (Uys, Bassett, Draper, Micklesfield, Monyeki, De Villiers & Lambert, 2016.) Attitude can be learned. (Hodges & Logan, 2012, 4; Matikainen, 2006.)
The purpose of this thesis was to create a better understanding of the secondary school teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards physical activity and to enhance physical education in secondary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. The objectives of this thesis were to investigate the secondary school teachers’ attitudes and perceptions towards physical activity and to promote knowledge of the effects of physical activity on academic achievement, schooling and cognitive functions in the selected schools in Cape Town. The research was conducted by using a qualitative research method, focus group discussion by interviewing 13 secondary school teachers in three schools.
This thesis is linked with an international Caring Society (CASO) - project. The aim of the project is to improve South African social and healthcare through knowledge exchange (CASO, 2018). The results of this thesis state the secondary school teachers’perceptions and attitudes towards physical activity were positive. The teachers were aware of the benefits that physical activities and physical education might provide. The results showed that physical activities during the school days are beneficial for learners and physical activity might improve the academic performance and the ability to concentrate. A major challenge is the lack of resources and the lack of appreciation towards physical activity.