A study to assess the knowledge and attitude of teachers regarding mid-day meal programme at selected Government primary schools of Kollegal Taluk

Abstract

The mid-day meal programme is just what the name implies-providing cooked meals in schools. The idea is simple; the impact significant. Teachers play a vital role in implementation and monitoring of mid-day meal programme. For implementation and efficient monitoring, the teachers should possess adequate knowledge regarding the mid-day meal programme and should have positive attitude towards the mid-day meal programme.1 It is the responsibility of the teachers to provide a hygienically cooked, balanced meal to children. So, this study is intended to assess the knowledge and attitude of government primary school teachers regarding midday meal programme at selected Government primary schools of Kollegal taluk. A descriptive approach was adopted. The samples consist of 50 teachers were selected using purposive sampling technique from selected Government primary school. The data collection was made through semi structured questionnaire and 5-point Likert’s attitude scale which was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude. Content validity of the structured knowledge and attitude questionnaire was established after consultation with subject experts. The study shows that 58% of the samples belong to the age group between 31-40 years and majority of 78% samples are females and 84% were TCH/D. Ed. Qualification, 48% of teachers had 11-15 years of experience and 62% of teachers have not undergone any in-service education. The overall findings of the study clearly showed that the primary school teachers had moderate knowledge score (58.66%) and positive attitude (63.5%). the overall mean knowledge score was 58.66%. The respondent’s mean attitude score was 61.34% in positive statements and 66.13% in negative statements and the overall mean attitude score was 63.5%. The demographic variables analyzed in this study, age, educational status, experience, source of information and in-service education were found to have significant association with knowledge and attitude scores. There was no significant association between, gender and type of diet with knowledge and attitude scores.