Determinants That Impede Female Students’ Vigorous Participation In Phsical Education Practical Sessions: In The Case Of Ambo Town Senior Secondary Schools, Grade Ten In Focus

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to assess determinants that impede female students’ vigorous participation in Physical Education practical sessions in the case of Ambo Town Senior Secondary Schools, grade ten in focus. To achieve this, the researcher designed four specific objectives: identify teacher-related determinants, investigate school-related determinants, assess student-related determinants and identify parent-related determinants that impede the vigorous participation of female students in Physical Education Practical Classes in Ambo Town Senior Secondary Schools. The researcher employed descriptive research and explanatory designs. In this study, the researcher employed descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to analyze the gathered data. Therefore, the mixed approach (Quantitative& Qualitative) was used for data analysis. The sample size of study participants was 344 female students selected by using simple random sampling technique from the five secondary schools proportionally. Five Physical Education teachers who were teaching in grade 10th were selected by simple random sampling technique for interview, and observation. Data were collected through questionnaire, semi-structured interview and observation. The data gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS V.23, whereas, the data gathered through semi- structured interview and observation were described qualitatively. On the basis of analysis made of this study, the findings of this study were identified. According to the findings of this study, determinants that were hindering the female students vigorous participation in the practical class of Physical Education teachers did not provide equal chance of participation for female and male; they did not encourage and motivated the female students; the majority of the teachers did not understand the natural problem of female students and the teaching methods that most of the teachers used were not attractive and participatory for the Physical Education Practical Sessions. It was found that in the majority of the schools, sport facilities were unavailable and in short supply specifically, the schools facilities for athletics, Gymnastic, bathroom and room for changing cloth were one of the major factors that impeded the vigorous participation of female students in Physical Education Practical sessions. It was also found that the majority of female students in the schools did not know the benefits of Physical Education practical sessions; they had no interest to participate in Physical Education Practical Session. It was founded that Parent- roles were low to help their daughters participate actively in PE Practical Sessions. Besides, (Socio- Cultural and Socio- Economic Related Factors were other factors impeding the vigorous participation of female students in PE Practical Sessions. Based on the findings the researcher recommended that Physical Education teachers should provide equal chance for female and male; teachers’ roles & parents’ roles are crucial to increase females’ participation, so that they should constantly encourage and motivate the female students by giving them sufficient support to make them active participant in Physical Education Practical Sessions. The school administration, Physical Education teachers and Ambo Town Administration, Ambo Town Education Bureau have to make open discussion and give possible measurement on existed problems in collaboration with stakeholder; the schools’ Administrative and stakeholders should fulfill the sufficient sport facilities that are vital for Physical Education practical sessions in general and for female students’ vigorous participation in Physical Education practical activities in particular.