A Qualitative Inquiry into the Role and Issues of Physical Education in Primary Schools: Perspectives of Primary School Teachers

Abstract

The study explored the role and issues of physical education (PE) in primary schools. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the issues. The participants of the study were purposively selected from primary schools teachers (PSTs) in lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for collecting data. In this regard, four questions were developed after studying the literature and discussing the issue with the stakeholders. The data collected were analysed through the thematic analysis technique. Analysis of the data shows that physical education is essential for the mental, physical, and social growth of children. Moreover, it keeps students active and they feel happy in school. And physical activities can make students good citizens and useful human beings in the future. However, the study finds that physical education is not taken seriously in primary schools. There are not any dedicated teachers, a proper curriculum is missing and most of the schools lack proper grounds and indoor facilities where the students may exploit their potential.