PHYSICAL EDUCATION: A PANACEA FOR GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PUPILS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

This study embarked on finding how physical education can be a panacea for gender equality and social development for pupils in Awka LGEA of Anambra state. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population for this study comprised 154 physical education teachers in private primary schools in Awka Local Government Education Authorities, Anambra state. Total sample of 100 teachers in primary schools in Awka-south were selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument for the study was structured questionnaire tagged physical education for gender equality and social development (PEGESD) consisting of 19 items measured on a four Likert scale technique. It was validated by two lecturers from the department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, and one from Measurement and Evaluation unit, both from Faculty of Education. The data collected were correlated to determine reliability of the instrument using Cronbach alpha reliability test which yielded a reliability of 0.78. The responses were calculated using mean and standard deviation. A mean score of 2.50 and above were accepted while item with mean score below 2.50 were rejected. The findings of the study revealed that physical education contribute to gender equality and social development in primary school by providing children opportunity to socialize with peers, understand others feelings through social skills, enhances language development, and guarantees physically fitness. It was seen that pupils use communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships. Also there is low participation of females in physical activity; limited facility e.g. limited type of games, teachers majorly male as factors militating against gender equality and social development in primary school. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that there should be increase in the level of awareness of teachers concerning their conduct towards boys and girls. This can be achieved through gender equity training programs.

Physical Education, Gender, Gender Equality, Social Development,

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