Abstract:
Students and teachers have a range of perceptions of Physical Education and how it affects students and their learning. Past research has indicated that Physical Education can influence students‟ academic results as well as their physical development. This study identified and investigated the perceptions of students and teachers towards Physical Education and its effect on the students and their learning at one school. The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at three secondary school in Guduru Woreda from May-June 2018. The researcher was employed randomized stratified sampling method to select students required sample size from target population . On the other hand, the data collection instruments for this study were questionnaire, interview and observation and census was used to include teachers so all teachers were included to study. The finding shows that 153 students and five (5) teachers were studied. Majorities of the respondents, stated that physical education was important part of the curriculum, physical education should be required at every level of education, physical education significantly improves secondary school students motor skill, physical activity results in greater memory recall and memory storage, and physical activity reduces class room problem behavior. Majorities of students strongly disagree with the drop out course of physical education from school curriculum. Many students and teachers perceived Physical Education to be enjoyable for students and beneficial to their development. These perceptions show that teachers and students believe that Physical Education has not only physical benefits for students, but that Physical Education can also positively influence students mentally, emotionally and socially. This study also showed that the way Physical Education is timetabled and taught can have an impact on the way students and teachers perceive this curriculum area.
