Challenges and Enjoyment of Physical Education Tutors at Colleges of Education in Ghana

Abstract

Physical Education is considered one of the important courses worldwide because of its perceived benefits to the development of the individual. However, tutors training instructors to teach the course in schools are confronted with issues ranging from finances to inadequate supply and equipment. This study was conducted to determine the challenges 12 tutors at colleges of education in Ghana have encountered as well as what they have enjoyed as P.E. tutors. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from the participants with content analysis employed as the analytical tool. Findings from the study revealed that PE tutors are confronted with challenges related to misconceptions and biases, inadequate facilities and equipment to teach the course, issues of the subject not being examinable and financial challenges. On what they have enjoyed as PE tutors the study revealed that success in competitions, students understanding of concepts taught, getting equipment and supplies to teach and when students select PE as an elective course were factors that they enjoy the most. Tellingly, PE tutors maintained that they work more than the other tutors as they have to train students during competitions and attend lectures to teach students in addition. It is recommended that the government and other stakeholders should provide incentives, and aid in getting equipment and supplies for the PE tutors to motivate them for a less painful delivery of their work.