CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1.    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The aims of physical education are varied and diverse, and may best be illustrated by Zeigler’s (1999) contention that the subject consists of 13 ‘principal principles’. These principles are wide-ranging and include ideas relating to aspects of fitness, aesthetics, citizenship, inclusion and longevity through lifetime physical activity. Thus, it is apparent that PE can be perceived to have varied goals, depending on personal preference and rationale. One goal that has been consistently reinforced over the last decade is PE’s promotion of lifelong physical activity, for the benefit of public health. Physical inactivity has been highlighted as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease (Leonand Norstrom, 1995; Morris, 1994; Whaley and Blair, 1995), as well as promoting premature mortality (Paffenbarger et al., 1986). Furthermore, physical activity can develop and maintain muscular strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, which may prevent back pain and other injuries during adulthood (Jopling, 1988). Moreover, peak bone mineral density can be promoted through weight-bearing physical activity, reducing the risk of fractures in later life (Drinkwater, 1994). Therefore PE programmes have the potential to influence the next generation of adults to lead healthier lifestyles facilitated by regular participation in physical activity. This link between adult physical activity and school PE is illustrated well by Shephard and Trudeau (2000). Their view is that the most important goal of PE is the long-term health of the students through their exposure to a wide range of healthgiving forms of physical activity. Godin and Shephard (1986) have suggested that physical activity during childhood is vital to developing the positive attitudes that make such activities enjoyable, and to sustaining active lifestyles during adulthood. As a consequence of these observations there have been strong recommendations that PE programmes should focus on the promotion of lifetime physical activity, in order to enhance and maintain children’s health later in life (American College of Sports Medicine, 1988; Harris, 2000; Sallis and McKenzie, 1991). The aim of this paper is to consider the relevance of current PE curricular and extra-curricular programmes to the goal of preparing students for participation in lifetime physical activity. Lifetime activities have been defined as ‘those that may readily be carried over into adulthood because they generally need only one or two people’ (Ross et al., 1985: 76). As lifetime activities also require little structure or organization and minimal equipment, many activities fit this definition. For example, such activities could include cycling for the intrinsic pleasure of participation, jogging for health or fitness benefits, attending dance classes for social reasons, or playing tennis as a competitive outlet. Furthermore, lifetime activities have the potential to provide healthenhancing benefits throughout the adult years. If children are attracted to lifetime activities they may be more likely to follow physically active lifestyles during adulthood (Godin and Shephard, 1990). Team games commonly fall into the categories of invasion (e.g. hockey) or striking and fielding (e.g. softball). Volleyball is a net and ball game that is also categorized as a team sport, although most other net and ball games such as tennis or badminton fit the definition of lifetime activities. The purpose of team games is for one team to score more points than their opponents, and so by definition they are competitive. Also, team sports generally require more than two players on each side to make up the teams. These players are often required to attend training or practice sessions in order to improve the cohesion and performance of the team. This commitment can place added time pressures on participants. Moreover, team games require an often large or specialized playing area, while the competitive nature of the activities usually means that at least one person is needed to officiate

1.2.    STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM

With the increase of sedentary activities such as watching television, playing videogames, increased computer technology, automation and reduction of high school physical education schedules, young people are most likely to become overweight, and less fit. Based on previous review of literature, it is very understandable that there is a lack of research in Nigeria regarding PE as an important subject in public schools for junior classes especially in Ogun State. Lack of health issues among Nigeria students in public schools is noticeable because of many reasons such as obesity, lack of self awareness of health fitness and health related physical education. Based on this, the study was design to investigate Teaching Physical Education in Nigerian Secondary Schools is a Barrier.

1.3.    AIMS AND OBJECTIBVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine of the effect of physical education programs on the well being of secondary school students. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1.  To examine the need for physical education programs in Nigerian secondary schools.

2.  To assess the benefit of well being of students to the academic performance of students.

3.  To examine the relationship between physical education and the well being of secondary schools students in Nigeria.

4.  To recommend other ways of improving students wellbeing.

1.4.    RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.  What is the need for physical education programs in Nigerian secondary schools?

2.  What is the benefit of well being of students to the academic performance of students?

3.  What is the relationship between physical education and the well being of secondary schools students in Nigeria?

4.  What are the other ways of improving students’ wellbeing?

1.5.    RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

HO1: There is no significant relationship between physical education program and the wellbeing of secondary school students in Nigeria.

1.6.    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense importance to the development of the educational system of Nigeria as it would reveal the impact of physical education on the wellbeing of secondary school students. The study would be of immense importance to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

1.7.    SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to the effect of physical education programs on the wellbeing of secondary school students in Otta Ogun state.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.