ASSESSING THE PARTICIPATION OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED STUDENTS IN LEARNING PHYSICAL EDUCATION PRACTICAL CLASS IN CASE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF CHENCHA

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the participation of physically disabled students in learning physical education practical class in case of secondary schools of Chencha woreda. Qualitative approach of research was used in this study. Data were collected from the subjects through interview guides, focused group discussion guides and observation checklist. Data’s were organized and analyzed from in-depth interviews, practical field observations were analyzed qualitatively. Results of the study showed that, the exclusion of students with physical disabilities from PE practical classes, support made by teachers to create effective inclusive PE was found very low, low level of awareness of stakeholders like school principals, educational officials, ‘normal’ peer groups, parents and others about the participation of the physically disabled students in PE practical classes so that their support and encouragement to the issue raised was found discouraging. Teachers training, curriculum materials and the required facilities and equipment’s were also found inadequate. Finally, based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it was recommended that, awareness creation strategy should be designed to the school principals ,teachers, families and other stakeholders so that they could support and encourage inclusiveness of PE in the schools. Curriculum materials for PE should be improved in order to address the special needs of students with physical disabilities. PE teachers should be provided relevant training and they need to be innovative, flexible, creative, willing and capable of initiating participatory in PE.