FACTORS AFFECTING THE PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE STUDENTS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION PRACTICAL CLASS: IN GERCHECH SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL, SOUTH MECHA WOREDA, WEST GOJJAM ZONE, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the factors affecting the participation of female students in PE class in Gerchech secondary and preparatory school. To achieve these purpose 66 female participants, 1 PE teacher and 1 PE expert were selected as a study sample. The data instruments were questionnaire and interview. For quantitative date, the questionnaire was distributed to the 66 female students and for qualitative date interviews was conducted with 1 PE teacher and 1 PE expert. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. This study finding evidences gaps between boys and female students in practical class participation. These are teaching method, education curriculum, required resources, self-confidence, socio-cultural influence and lack of time. The benefit which the female students are getting was recorded most of students say no. Regarding teaching methods of practical activity, mostly students respond poor approach of the teacher for the female students. Education curriculum also plays a vital role in female participation but even the appropriateness of the education curriculum for Female students in practical activity was recorded very low in the school. Required Resources like martial and equipment support found very low in the school. Socio-cultural influences are the large amount of the society does not have good perception about the need of practical activities for female students in the study area. Lack of time the total female students stated as they do not have enough time for PE supplementary class. In self confidences of female students most of students they do not have self confidence to take part in physical activities. The result clearly showed that there are many factors, which hinder the female participation in PE classes. Female students’ experience many and varied barriers to participating in physical activity and can help to improve participation of female students in Gerchech secondary and preparatory school.